Liverpool, Everton and the city of Manchester unite for 2022 Commonwealth Games bid

Liverpool, Everton and the city of Manchester have joined forces in an effort to bring the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Merseyside – with the Goodison club’s proposed £300 million new stadium the centre-piece of the bid.

The Bramley Moore dock arena, which will be the subject of a planning application shortly, would include an athletics track should the city’s bid be successful; although city leaders insist that will be a temporary measure for the duration of the Games.

Anfield would host the rugby sevens, while Goodison Park itself would be the venue for the boxing events. Manchester, who successfully hosted the Games in 2002, will provide the venue for cycling and cricket.

Liverpool stepped forward as a potential host after Durban pulled out for financial reasons earlier this year. Birmingham has put forward rival proposals to ensure the Games take place in the UK.

Liverpool 2022 Bid Chairman is the former FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick. He says Everton’s new stadium would be the focal point of the Games.

The club’s chief executive Robert Elstone said the architects currently working on the stadium designs will ensure the arena is suitable for both football and athletics. Everton will be well aware of the controversy surrounding West Ham’s move from London’s Olympic Stadium – now the London Stadium – but they have sought to reassure supporters there will be no negative impact.

Liverpool’s new chief executive Peter Moore endorsed the plans.

“Liverpool Football Club is delighted to support the Council’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Our great city has a unique passion for sport and we would be proud to welcome the Commonwealth to Anfield Stadium,” said Moore.

The Games will cost around £672 million, but Liverpool City Council anticipates the regeneration of the dockside will accelerate £1bn of investment and create more than 12,000 jobs.

Liverpool’s bid has been strengthened by the support of Manchester.

Sir Richard Leese, Manchester City Council Leader, said: “Manchester is delighted to be supporting Liverpool’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. With the hugely successful Games our city held in 2002, and given the elite sporting venues we currently have in Manchester, we are pleased to be able to assist Liverpool in its quest to deliver an inclusive, innovative and inspiring Games for the Commonwealth.”

As part of Liverpool’s transformational plan, which is predicted to accelerate £1bn of investment up to 10 years ahead of schedule and create more than 12,000 jobs, the city is also proposing to host:

• Swimming at a new 50 metre pool within the city centre dock system, that would remain in place after the Games – providing both a swimming and visitor attraction legacy;
   
• Triple jump, long jump and pole vault on the dockside by neighbouring Mann Island to ensure spectators are brought even closer to the action;
   
• T20 Cricket and Track Cycling as its ‘optional sports’ which would take place in Manchester at Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Manchester Velodrome – marking an exciting partnership with its legendary North West neighbour.

Other key highlights of Liverpool’s hosting plan include the following existing venues:

Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool – ACC: home to the 11,000-seat Echo Arena, BT Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre Liverpool [Badminton, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Netball and Wrestling]

• Anfield Stadium [Opening ceremony, Rugby Sevens]
   
• St George’s Hall [Squash Finals]
   
• Goodison Park [Boxing Finals]
   
• Stanley Park [Lawn Bowls]

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