2022 Commonwealth Games: Birmingham congratulated by vanquished Liverpool

Artist impression of 2022 Commonwealth Games in BirminghamImage copyrightCRAIG HOLMES
Image captionBasketball would be played in Victoria Square under Birmingham's proposals
Birmingham has been congratulated by the mayor of Liverpool after being named England's candidate to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The city was chosen ahead of rival Liverpool by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Kuala Lumpur is likely to be the main rival bid to host the 2022 Games.
But the UK government must still decide if a formal bid will be submitted, weighing up whether it would offer "value for money for the taxpayer".
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson tweeted: "Liverpool has lost its bid to host Commonwealth Games 2022 thanks to my team #proud.
"Congratulations and good luck Birmingham - wish you well."
Former Commonwealth gold medallist Brendan Foster said he was "delighted but not surprised" Birmingham had been chosen by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
"It's the right time, in the right place, in a city that has all the facilities in place," said the former BBC athletics commentator and Great North Run founder, who was part of Birmingham's bid team.
"I'm convinced that Birmingham can take the next step and be awarded the Games. And when they are, they'll have the opportunity to host the best ever Commonwealth Games."
Alexander Stadium drawingImage copyrightBIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
Image captionA refurbished Alexander Stadium would be "pivotal" to the Games in Birmingham, the city council has said
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said Birmingham's bid had "impressed" judges.
"Birmingham's bid was considered particularly strong on its management of risk, its high quality existing venue infrastructure and its plans for a long-term sporting legacy," it said in a statement.
The city's Alexander Stadium will be upgraded into a 40,000-seat arena if the bid to host the Games is successful.
The Genting Arena would host badminton, and Arena Birmingham artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Both have a 9,000 capacity.
Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, would host rugby sevens, while Symphony Hall would have weightlifting and para-powerlifting.
Three halls at the NEC would also be used.
Villa ParkImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image captionVilla Park would host rugby 7s, the bid team said
Coventry's Ricoh Arena would host netball, and an aquatics centre would be built in Sandwell.


Birmingham and Liverpool made their bids after Durban, South Africa, was stripped of the Games.

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