Liverpool unveils ‘truly transformational’ bid to host 2022 Commonwealth Games

Liverpool has today (June 16) revealed details of its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

If successful, the ambitious plan will accelerate £1bn of investment in the city and create over 12,000 jobs.

Liverpool’s offer comprises a mix of existing venues and new planned facilities, supported by a partnership with regional neighbour Manchester.

Central to the bid is the regeneration of Bramley-Moore Dock. Located two miles north of the city centre, the site is the proposed location for Everton FC’s new multi-million pound stadium.

The ground would accommodate a temporary athletics track for the Commonwealth Games, which would be installed after the final home match of the 2021/22 season and removed before the start of the 2022/23 season.

The city is proposing to host the swimming event at a new 50-metre pool to be built within the city centre dock system. The facility would remain in place after the Games.

Triple jump, long jump and pole vault would be set up on the dockside by the Mann Island scheme.

T20 Cricket and Track Cycling would take place at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Manchester Velodrome.

Existing venues to be utilised and the events they would host include:

• ACC Liverpool – badminton, artistic gymnastics, judo, netball and wrestling
• Anfield Stadium – opening ceremony, rugby sevens
• St George’s Hall – squash finals
• Goodison Park – boxing finals
• Stanley Park – lawn bowls

Additionally, Liverpool’s plan is to place the Athletes Village in Nelson Dock, next to Everton FC’s new stadium and within Peel Group’s £5.5bn Liverpool Waters scheme.

Construction of the village could begin during H1 2018.

Brian Barwick, Liverpool 2022 bid chairman, said: “Liverpool is a world-class city and what we have unveiled today is truly transformational.

“We are utilising our existing, world-class venues such as ACC Liverpool, Anfield, St George’s Hall and Goodison Park, as well as facilities linked to the massive regeneration that is already taking place in the Bramley-Moore Dock area that would be home to the athletes village.

“Some of the other eye catching plans, such as the dynamic new pool in the docks and the creative approach to working with Everton FC’s new state of art stadium will set the bar for how major games leave a real and tangible legacy.”

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson commented: “In this city we do things differently. Since being European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has undergone a renaissance through smart investments, forging great partnerships and building a reputation as a major event and cultural hub.

“This bid taps directly into this creative ambition, innovative approach and the uniqueness of our city which will transform not just how the world views the Commonwealth Games but will also transform the economic fortunes of our waterfront and countless lives across the city.”

He continued: “Our vision for the Games brings together ambitious new sporting facilities on the historic waterfront, with the existing world-class stadia revered by sports fans and athletes across the globe.

“This combination makes for a bid which I think is very hard for anyone to match in terms of ambition, creativity and sustainability and would result in a transformational games that would make Britain proud.”

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region’s newly appointed Metro Mayor, said of the bid: “I wish every success to Liverpool City’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“With its rich sporting heritage, strong international reputation and historic ties to the Commonwealth community, I can think of no more suitable city to host this prestigious event.”