Birmingham to bid for major sporting event in 2029 despite financial concerns

Birmingham will bid to host another ‘mega’ sporting event despite concerns over the authority’s finances.

Brum will host the World Para Athletics Championships in 2029 if the bid is successful, with the council describing it as an opportunity to build on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.

It would also follow other major events set to be held in the Second City, such as such as next year’s Invictus Games and EURO 2028.

“Hosting the Championships would […] further establish Birmingham as the centre of athletics and para sport in the United Kingdom,” the council said in a recent report.

But commissioners – sent in by the government to oversee the council’s financial recovery – told cabinet members prior to a meeting today, November 10, they should consider not hosting the event.

Amid the council’s “significant” financial challenges and “competing demands on scarce resources”, they said councillors should “carefully consider” whether not submitting a bid would provide greater benefits to residents.

They continued that going down this route would enable up to around £6m to be invested in other services and priorities.

“Should cabinet decide to proceed with a bid, commissioners consider that this decision should be conditional upon securing a minimum 50 per cent contribution from external partners,” they added.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting today, cabinet member for culture Cllr Deborah Harries (Liberal Democrat) acknowledged that fellow councillors would be “rightly be focused on affordability and risk”.

“The recommendations before cabinet ensure that any final commitment is dependent on securing significant external funding,” she said.

“[There is an] expectation that at least of 50 per cent of funding will come from partners. Furthermore, lessons learnt from previous major events have been incorporated.”

She added that the bid presents an opportunity to deliver “substantial” economic benefits; create employment opportunities; showcase Birmingham on a “global stage” and more.

Cllr Jex Parkin, Birmingham Reform group leader, responded: “It’s of course an extremely prestigious and worthwhile event.

“But I do share the commissioners queries regarding costs and priorities, particularly so soon after Birmingham hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

“We should be able to host major events,” Cllr Robert Alden, Conservative group leader, added.

“The previous administration [Labour] completely took their eye off the ball with the day to day running of the council when the Commonwealth Games approached. That’s the lesson [that needs to be learnt].”

Cllr Julien Pritchard (Green Party), a member of the minority coalition which now runs the council, said they would not be repeating the “mistakes” of the previous administration.

“I absolutely remember the time around the Commonwealth Games and the feeling from opposition that the [administration] had taken their eye off the ball,” the council’s deputy leader said. “I’m very conscious of that.”

Cllr Harries said she acknowledged the point of not being “consumed” by a single major event.

Cabinet members ultimately approved the council’s participation as a funding partner in the formal bid to host the Championships, as well as the submission of the bid.

‘Ambition to become UK’s home of athletics’

On why a bid should be submitted, the council report said hosting the Championships in 2029 at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium would “secure the next mega sporting event in the city’s hosting pipeline”.

It also said it would position Brum on a global stage and reinforce its reputation as a “leading destination for major events”.

“The event would support Birmingham’s strategic ambition to become the UK’s home of athletics and strengthen the city’s international profile as an inclusive destination,” the report said.

“The recent European Athletics Championships was well received internationally and was broadcast in 35 countries, giving 2,000 hours of live worldwide coverage.”

It added that the event would generate visitor spend, support local employment and create opportunities for volunteering and apprenticeships.

“Previous events such as the Commonwealth Games and European Athletics Championships have delivered £500m and £22m economic benefit respectively,” the report said.