In a launch Friday of its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Liverpool planners promised that the transformation of its “world famous waterfront” would both create an ideal setting for the Games and leave a valuable lasting legacy.
Liverpool launches 2022 Commonwealth Games bid (July 16, 2017 – Liverpool 2022 Photo)
The plans to organize the Games are expected to accelerate £1 billion of investment up to 10 years ahead of schedule and create more than 12,000 jobs. In partnership with Manchester, the city that hosted the 2022 edition of the Games, a mix of existing venues and newly-built facilities will host the required events.
As part of the launch, the bid revealed its official Website at www.liverpoolCG22.org and social media hashtag #IAmLiverpool2022.
Central to plans is the construction of the new Everton Football Club’s stadium to be built at the Bramley-Moore Dock, two miles north of the city centre. By adding a temporary track the stadium will host athletics without disrupting the football club’s scheduled matches.
Also planned is swimming at a new permanent 50 meter pool within the city centre dock system; triple jump, long jump and pole vault on the dockside by neighbouring Mann Island; T20 Cricket and Track Cycling as optional sports which would take place in Manchester at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Manchester Velodrome.
Additional venues include:
- the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, home to the 11,000-seat Echo Arena, BT Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre Liverpool proposed for Badminton, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Netball and Wrestling,
- Anfield Stadium for the Opening ceremony and Rugby Sevens,
- St George’s Hall for Squash Finals,
- Goodison Park for Boxing Finals and
- Stanley Park for Lawn Bowls.
An Athletes Village would be beside Everton FC’s new stadium in Nelson Dock, within Peel Land and Property’s £5.5bn Liverpool Waters scheme to add residential developments that have already been approved.
Liverpool 2022 Bid Chairman Brian Barwick said “Liverpool is a world-class city and what we have unveiled today is truly transformational.”
“Through a creative partnership with our North West neighbour Manchester we are able to host T20 cricket and track cycling in world class facilities. This plan is both compelling and deliverable and will be amazing for the athletes, the spectators and the Commonwealth – and crucially is designed to leave Liverpool transformed.”
Liverpool 2022 Venue Plan
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said “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.”
“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.”
#Liverpool united for 2022 | A special day today as we launched a bid set to #transform our city #IAmLiverpool2022 https://t.co/3LWuZzrqTX pic.twitter.com/FtAEANRBhe
— Liverpool 2022 (@LiverpoolCG22) June 16, 2017
Along with Birmingham in Britain, Liverpool is seen as a favorite in the race as both cities had already been preparing to bid for the 2026 Games and there were already plans and organizations in place for the task. Victoria in Canada launched a bid last week to host its second Commonwealth Games while Toronto will likely refrain from moving forward after a negative report from its Economic Development Committee.
Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia are also interested in bidding for the Games.
The cities are vying to be named as replacement hosts for the Games after Durban in South Africa was originally awarded the Games unopposed but were stripped of the right earlier this yer due to missed financial milestones.
The Commonwealth Games Commission will select the winning bid this fall.
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A senior producer and award-winning journalist covering Olympic bid business as founder of GamesBids.com as well as providing freelance support for print and Web publications around the world. Robert Livingstone is a member of the Olympic Journalists Association and the International Society of Olympic Historians.
