Andy Street Exclusive: 'When we host the Commonwealth Games this summer, let’s seize the moment to the fullest'

The Metro Mayor looks forward to the Games this summer in an exclusive piece for Counter Cut, the West Midland's new home of Politics, Culture and Sport. Read more:

Counter Cut’s content this month is sponsored by The New Talbot.

Image Credit: Andy Street/WMCA

Andy Street writes:

In less than a month, the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we play host to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

I have always believed in the potential of these Games to go far beyond the eleven days of sporting spectacle – as thrilling of course as they will be.

Back when I was still running John Lewis, I had the opportunity to see up close what happened when London hosted the Olympics a decade ago due to our involvement as sponsors. The air of excitement was palpable, the sporting highlights so memorable and the ways in which lives were changed truly tangible. For our region, these Games could be our ‘2012 moment’.

Brummies are known for being famously friendly but never boastful. However, on this occasion, I hope we shout about ourselves more than usual and let the world know just how much we have to offer.

I also hope that we find time to remember the critical role the Government has played in getting the Games over the line - from Theresa May taking the initial decision, to going on to provide the lionshare of the funding and now continuing to back the Games all the way.

If we get this right, we can deliver a triple legacy from these Games. First, we are raising the level of investment into the West Midlands. I pushed hard within Whitehall to secure over £20m in funding for what is called the Business and Tourism Programme.

From our dedicated ‘UK House’ space at The Exchange in Centenary Square, we will be working throughout the duration of the Games to showcase all that our region has to offer to potential investors, business leaders and political dignitaries from across the Commonwealth. Aside from attracting inward investment from overseas, we are putting money into a unique offer in terms of transport provision.

Whether it’s brand new infrastructure like the recently unveiled railway station at Perry Barr, making two free half an hour journeys available daily via our cycle hire scheme for each and every day of the Games or including regional public transport in the price of your Games ticket, we are investing to give local residents and visitors an outstanding customer experience. 

Second, we are ensuring a jobs and skills legacy from these Games. I chair the West Midlands Combined Authority and the academy which we set up has now trained thousands of young people in sectors like hospitality, catering and security. Young people will be able to learn new skills and pick up experience during an action packed summer but also crucially this working opportunity will set them up well for their future career prospects after the Games.

Third, I hope these Games will foster our region’s natural sense of community spirit. Birmingham and the West Midlands is blessed to be home to diverse communities with roots reaching right across the Commonwealth. That’s one of the reasons we had such a compelling bid to be the host region. With an event of this scale on our doorstep – plus live viewing sites taking the sporting action out of Games venues and into communities – this is a chance for local residents from all backgrounds to come together in a moment of collective celebration.

I cannot wait!

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