Liverpool through to final phase of selection process to be UK bid city for Commonwealth Games
The city wants to host the event in 2022
Liverpool’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games - in partnership with Manchester - will progress to the final phase of the Government’s selection process.
Inspectors from the Commonwealth Games Federation and Department for Culture, Media & Sport visited the city in the last few weeks
The assessment panel say Liverpool has developed a clear initial vision as to how they would construct a compelling games programme which meets CGF requirements and which would leave a legacy for their city, the region and the UK.
The same has been said for Birmingham who have also put forward a bid.
DCMS says both cities will now need to demonstrate their bids would be 'good value for money"
The Government is expected to decide if it will support a UK bid in September.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said:
"It is right that a proper and rigorous assessment is carried out before we decide if a formal bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is submitted."
"I’ve been encouraged by the commitment and enthusiasm that both Birmingham and Liverpool have demonstrated so far in the process but it will be crucial that their final plans demonstrate good value for money, how they would leave a lasting legacy and showcase the best of Britain"
Reacting to the news, Brian Barwick, Liverpool 2022 Bid Chairman said:
“This is fantastic news for the entire city, region and our bid partner Manchester and is testament to the quality of work and huge efforts of the bid team, the city councils and all our partners over the last few months.
"We are now in the home stretch in the race to persuade Government that our Liverpool-Manchester partnership will be ground-breaking for the Commonwealth Games, while also financially sound and good for the UK. Our plan is to be responsible, inspirational, and transformational because that is the Liverpool way and I’m confident we will deliver on all these fronts if granted the great honour of hosting these Games.”
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool added:
“Liverpool’s vision for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is to make our city proud, make Britain proud and make the spirit of the Commonwealth soar. We are a world famous city with a track record of delivering unforgettable events on the international stage and anyone who has visited us in the last decade will have seen the journey of change we have been on, a journey that is far from over.