First Minister Jack McConnell, speaking at Hampden Park Tuesday, one of the proposed venues for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said Glasgow’s bid was viable, winnable and would leave a lasting legacy. He confirmed Executive support for the bid to secure the Games in nine years and revealed the Games could cost up to 255 million pounds.
But despite the projected figures, part of which will be funded by Glasgow City Council, McConnel said he was confident it will be money well spent.
McConnel said, “we have agreed that we will split the cost of the campaign 50-50 with Glasgow City Council and the total campaign budget will be up to five million pounds.
He said, “taking the bold step to bring one of the largest events in the world to Scotland shows the scale of our ambition as a nation and the confidence that we have in our biggest city”.
Following the announcement SNP Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon pledged the party’s wholehearted support for the move. She said it was important that every politician from every party in Scotland gets behind the bid and supports Glasgow. “This huge opportunity for the city and Scotland must be seized with both hands”.
Sebastian Coe, head of London 2012 said, “I urge the whole of the UK to get behind this bid in the way they did for London 2012”.
The Evening Times reports that the most obvious physical legacy from a Glasgow Games would be the Games Village where up to 6000 athletes would live. After the Games are over the village 1600 new houses will be built for purchase or rent. A council spokesman said council taxpayers would not be expected to pick up the cost.
Louise Martin, chairwoman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland said, “we believe a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow would be good for Scotland, great for Scottish sport and a fantastic opportunity for Scottish athletes to compete in front of a home crowd”.
