Mayor welcomes Commonwealth Games Village go-ahead
Published: Thursday 20 Dec 2018
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street today welcomed the go-ahead for the first phase of work on the Commonwealth Games Village.
Birmingham City Council unanimously granted planning permission for the residential element of the Athletes' Village.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) secured £20 million funding to support the council-led scheme, recognition of its importance as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Perry Barr, with central government providing £165 million.
An artist's impression of the development, unanimously approved today by Birmingham CC planning committee.
The Mayor Andy Street said: I'm delighted the planning approval has gone through -a significant milestone for the Games programme and a genuine game changer for the region with a lasting housing and regeneration legacy.
I'm very proud of the part the combined authority has played in securing investment to support the Commonwealth Games Village and we are excited about our part in this project, which can showcase how well positive collaboration can work across all parts of the public sector
Work is set to begin on site in early 2019, to ensure completion in time for the arrival of representatives from the Commonwealth's 71 nations and territories in the summer of 2022.
This is for the first phase of a wider regeneration scheme for Perry Barr, which will provide around 1,400 new homes on the former Birmingham City University campus.
It will accommodate around 6,500 athletes and officials for the Games in 2022, with plans to then convert the properties to provide homes for social and affordable rent, for sale, and for private rent - creating a new high-quality residential neighbourhood for Perry Barr.
The development will also include a retirement village and a community centre.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: Since we announced our intention to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I've always said the event is more than just 11 days of sport.
The regeneration of Perry Barr will be the most tangible and transformative legacy we achieve as a result of hosting the Games, bringing investment and regeneration to an area that has long been crying out for it.
I commend everyone involved with the development of this planning application. It shows the ‘can do' attitude of the city council and its commitment to partnership working by securing planning permission today, 364 days since the Games were awarded to Birmingham.
We've successfully completed work that would normally a take a Host City three years to complete in just one
Consultation on future phases of the Perry Barr regeneration plan will follow next year.