Update on city planning for Birmingham 2022 given during Ambassador visit

A briefing on preparations being made by the Proud Host City for the 2022 Commonwealth Games was given by the council during a visit to Birmingham by the US Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim Philip T. Reeker today (March 22).

After a presentation at the Library of Birmingham, he then joined council representatives to inspect the Birmingham 2022 countdown clock in Centenary Square.

The council and West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) were jointly approached by the US Embassy in London to host the visit to Birmingham.

As well as the informal meeting that gave an overview of preparations for the Games, the Ambassador also heard about the Festival 2022 programme, which recently opened with the spectacular Wondrous Stories event in the city centre.

The visit was also used by the UK representatives to explore the development of a stronger partnership between the US and Birmingham, which has an existing Sister City relationship with Chicago.

Following the update on the Games, Ambassador Reeker also enjoyed lunch with representatives of the council and business leaders from Birmingham. including US banking giant Goldman Sachs who have recently announced their intention to expand their existing offices in the city.

Afterwards, Ambassador Reeker expressed his thanks to Birmingham City Council, as well as business leaders from the area, for their time on Tuesday morning. He was delighted to learn how Birmingham is preparing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He stated: “It was great to see all Birmingham is doing to attract trade and investment in the West Midlands. I wish Birmingham great success during this global event and the years to follow.”

Following the visit, Deborah Cadman, Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, said:

“We were delighted to showcase the city and all of the progress we have made in preparing to deliver the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

We’ve learnt a lot in preparing to deliver the Commonwealth Games in just over four years, rather than the usual timescale of seven years. We have been clear in developing the Games that residents in all parts of the city must benefit from this global event and outlined how we are doing this to the Ambassador.

The Games are also a springboard for a golden decade for Birmingham and we would like to build links on everything from trade and investment to arts and culture. Visits like this can only help us state our case that we are open for business to the decision makers in the US.”