Liverpool loses out in Games bid
Birmingham has been named as the English candidate in the bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Judges from the Commonwealth Federation visited both cities last month, and decided that Birmingham’s bid, which is centred around upgrading the Alexander Stadium to a 40,000-capacity venue, had more merit than Liverpool’s, the main venue at which would have been the proposed Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Joe Anderson, Liverpool’s city mayor, tweeted: “Liverpool has lost its bid to host Commonwealth Games 2022. Thanks to my team #proud. Congratulations and good luck Birmingham – wish you well.”
The bid team was chaired by former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick. A study by advisor Deloitte released last week said the Games could deliver an economic impact of £1bn to the region.
Sean Beech, partner at Deloitte, told Place North West: “It’s obviously disappointing news for the city and region – I’m sure if Liverpool had won everybody would have got behind it, and our study showed he range of benefits it could have brought.
“Joe’s been very gracious, and I think it’s important we all get behind Birmingham, as there’s no guarantee England will win. At least we have clarity rather than a drawn-out process, and now other plans such as the stadium and cruise terminal can move forward now.”
We must congratulate Birmingham and wish them success with the games. Meanwhile Liverpool can take pride in their bid and keep on aiming higher in our ambitions to make the City a go to place for business and investment.
By Liverpolitis
Is anyone surprised when the friend of the PM is the mayor for the West Midlands?
By Elephant
World Heritage City, but simply not a City that is notable on the world stage.
By Digging Deep
Well done.
By JB
It alright lads. We’ve got a call centre coming instead!
By Terry
Ouch! #underdoglife
By Cheshire Boy
http://www.itv.com/news/granada/update/2017-09-06/watch-investors-in-baltic-triangle-project-want-to-know-where-their-moneys-gone/
By Anonymous
We’ll have a stadium etc regardless, the second city deserved it, less risk in their bid.
By John
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can take pride in the bid that was placed, given the DCMS comments about management of risk.
It is very disappointing, though, to see some in these comments gloating over the failure, however that reflects badly only on them.
Liverpool is up against enough, without having people from outside sticking the boot in. Real people are affected by its relative prosperity, or lack thereof.
By Mike
Birmingham? Makes me proud to be part of the Commonwealth. God help,sorry save the Queen.
By Elephant
Isn’t life a risk?
By Liverpolitis
I don’t think there’s any gloating. Liverpool would’ve been a great venue for a big multi sports event like this and it would’ve been a big boost for the city and wider region. If there are lessons to be learned, let’s seek them out and move on to bigger and better things.
By A planner
Can we put a positive spin on this – the study presumably (and sensibly) concluded that Birmingham needs the boost more than Liverpool, which is a city already on the up.
By Born-again-Scouser
The bottom line is that all our regional cities are scrapping over every little crumb thrown at them by Westminster. Rather than all of them getting equal investment with London,they scratch each others eyes out for a bit of recognition. Liverpool is not treated with much respect considering its immense contribution to our national life. Birmingham is treated with equal disdain. I am sure Birmingham would have rather had the money on this spent on a proper transport system.
By Elephant
As a Manc I’m quite sad about this….really thought that Liverpool would have been chosen for the bid.
By Coolmanc
Sad day for the city. Tories killed us again
By Anonymous
‘Tories killed us again’?
Come off it. Classic diversion. Don’t be a bad loser.
Birmingham had a safer bid that was more deliverable in the time available with a stronger sporting legacy for athletics, and actually a much deeper history of commitment to athletics (as opposed to none in Liverpool).
Liverpool had an undefined and as yet, unfinanced stadium without planning permission or architectural drawings sited in a contentious world heritage site that is likely subject to time-delaying opposition. Not insurmountable but risky to deliver in 5 years.
We lost. Take it on the chin and stop blaming others.
By Deebee
Hard luck Liverpool, good effort, some good innovative ideas and spectator involvement.Time now to move on to bigger and brighter things. Good luck to Birmingham.
By Man on Bicycle
What’s disapoints me the most is the fact that this was a “joint” effort between Liverpool and Manchester. This could have been the catalyst for greater co-operation and things to come. Let’s hope we can both build on this!
By Liverpolitis
Rather than point the finger at Whitehall in time-honoured style, Steve, Joe and all our local MPs need to ask why Labour-controlled councils in Manchester and Birmingham seem to have no problem attracting money from a Conservative government for HS2, arts, transport infrastructure etc etc…
By LEighteen
No surprises as the Regional Mayor is a Tory…
By Schwyz
Good luck to Birmingham from Liverpool-Liverpool has a bright future still .
By Don
Birmingham not ready,Liverpool was but Government choose them over Liverpool?
By Just a moment.
If these councils have no money, they always complain, where is the money coming to bid and host?
By F1_Fan