Where to Visit during the Commonwealth Games: A Spotlight on Birmingham

We might be biased, but at Centrick, we’re utterly obsessed with Birmingham. It’s where we work, live, commute and, for many of us, it’s where we were raised. That’s why we’re so delighted that the world will get to see the wonders that our city has to offer during this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Why Birmingham?

Birmingham won the 2022 Commonwealth Games bid in 2017, facing competition from Victoria in Canada, and fellow English city Liverpool. Birmingham eventually won due to its exceptional hosting capabilities, with its range of large-capacity venues and transport infrastructure meaning that it was well-placed to host without too many additional venues requiring construction. The only major upgrade to Birmingham’s existing facilities has been to Alexander Stadium, the primary venue for the Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies, which has had its capacity bolstered to an impressive 50,000. This stands the stadium in stead to be the new home of UK Athletics for the foreseeable future. However, there has been a significant new-build construction for the Commonwealth Games: Sandwell Aquatics Centre. The 5,000 capacity venue will host swimming, para-swimming and diving events throughout the Commonwealth Games, and will boost the local Smethwick economy by making it the newest go-to events centre for water sports.

The brilliance of Birmingham is that it has the exceptional facilities to host an event of such magnitude, whilst maintaining its uniqueness that makes it a wonderful home for so many. In fact, Centrick anticipates that the Games will encourage many people from across Britain and beyond to visit and purchase or rent property in Birmingham. A predicted 4.9% increase in house prices across the region makes now a great time to start investing in our city. To get you more acquainted with Birmingham, we’ll be showing you around Britain’s second city, highlighting some of the beautiful features and event locations that will be gracing your TV screens in the coming weeks.

Arena Birmingham

When it comes to sporting events in Birmingham, look no further than Arena Birmingham. This venue has hosted an abundance of exciting events over the past thirty years, from the BMX World Championships to the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest. As the third largest indoor arena in the entire country, we’re excited to see the gymnastics events that will take place in this ever-popular arena.

Smallbrook Queensway

Smallbrook Queensway is home to some of the most striking Commonwealth Games advertising across Birmingham. This road leads towards some of the city’s most impressive landmarks – from the Bullring to Grand Central Station – the Queensway is a fantastic place to showcase the brilliant Games branding. In fact, Moseley’s Member of Parliament Martin Straker said that these banners would be visible from outer space!

BrindleyPlace

BrindleyPlace is the official headquarters of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with the entirety of One BrindleyPlace being dedicated to the smooth running of the games. The popular location is a mere stone’s throw away from the aforementioned Arena Birmingham, and we anticipate that it will experience heavy footfall during the Games and beyond. The Commonwealth Games staff will be occupying the five-floor building until December to ensure that the event runs smoothly and leaves a positive lasting impact on the broader community once the events conclude.

Smithfield

For those of you who will be attending the beach volleyball and basketball events at this year’s Games, you will see first-hand the wonderful regeneration of Smithfield, including the brand new sporting venues for the Commonwealth Games. This region of Birmingham, which lies very close to the City Centre, is experiencing an abundance of growth which aims to make the area a hub for celebrating creativity, business growth and sustainability. The adjacent Digbeth is Birmingham’s newly regenerated creative quarter, and is experiencing a revival in art, music and fashion thanks to the inspiration of the Games. With just shy of £2 billion being funnelled into the area, Smithfield is rapidly regenerating, and we look forward to seeing the fantastic transformation throughout the Commonwealth Games coverage.

The University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has long been a hub for the most talented sportspeople from across the UK and beyond to train and develop their skills. In fact, six students and 18 alumni took part in the 2018 Australian games, and the University was the first in Britain to offer a degree programme dedicated to Sports and Exercise Science. In short, the institution is pioneering in the development of our collective knowledge of sports, making it the perfect place to accommodate the Commonwealth Games. You’ll see the University’s wonderful campus on your television screens as it is the primary athlete’s village for the games, as well as hosting hockey and squash.

Centenary and Victoria Square

Birmingham city centre comes equipped with two beautiful squares, which have undergone extensive regeneration for the Commonwealth Games. First is Centenary Square, home to the stunning Library of Birmingham and the new Exchange building for the aforementioned University of Birmingham. However, Commonwealth fans will relish the square’s new Birmingham 2022 Megastore, with an abundance of merchandise available for purchase in the new colourful store. A short walk away is Victoria Square, one of the most photographed parts of the city with it’s stunning architecture and iconic buildings. The centrepiece of the square – the Floozie in the Jacuzzi – has been beautifully restored in recent months, and now overlooks an abundance of colourful Commonwealth Games banners that lead onto the famous New Street.

As Birmingham locals, everyone at Centrick is extremely excited to experience the Commonwealth Games and the well-deserved attention it will bring to the region. We’re delighted to share our home, and all it has to offer, with the rest of the country and the Commonwealth.  For more information on investing in the West Midlands, check out our other blogs, or contact a member of our team using the form below: