Birmingham Bids To Host 2026 Commonwealth Games

30 September 2016, 14:21 | Updated: 30 September 2016, 15:36

Birmingham has announced plans to bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games

It could be Birmingham against Liverpool in the race to stage the 20126 Commonwealth Games.

West Midlands councils have announced a bid today, following Manchester in 2002 and Glasgow two years ago.

The bid - by Birmingham City Council could see more than £390 million generated for the region with venues like the Ricoh Arena and the Hawthorns holding events.

With the full support of Birmingham City Council, the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, the West Midlands Combined Authority and Midlands Engine, the bid has the potential to generate in excess of £390 million for the local economy, create thousands of jobs and catapult the region onto the global stage.

Cllr Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

"We're calling on the entire region to get behind this bid. The economic benefit, not to mention the excitement and legacy of such an immense sporting event would have on this area, is massive. We are the perfect choice to host the Commonwealth Games."

And this afternoon, Capital has been out on the streets to find out what locals think about the plans.