Birmingham 2022 chiefs are still waiting for budget approval

Commonwealth Games bosses say they are on the right track for Birmingham 2022 - despite still waiting on the final budget being agreed by the Government.

Members of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission spent three days in the city this week to check on the progress being made just over three years before the event begins in July 2022.

But despite being pleased with the work being carried out, they revealed they were still waiting for sign off of the final budget from the Treasury.

Commission chairman Chris Jenkins and Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 CEO, said they were confident there was no particular hold-up and expect an announcement imminently.

Initial estimates for the cost of the Games have been at around £750 million, with the government expected to pay 75 per cent of the total and 'local partners' including Birmingham City Council  and the West Midlands Combined Authority  (WMCA) picking up the remaining 25 per cent.

Mr Jenkins said: "We were hoping it would all be signed, sealed and delivered but sadly it hasn't been yet.

"There is a huge amount of investment going on in Birmingham and the region that the games has unlocked which is seriously impressive.

"The budget is with central government. It's ready to come as far as I can tell. We are reassured but basically it hasn't arrived yet.

"I don't think there is any particular hold-up. We were told it is due so it could be within the next few days."

Mr Reid added: "I don't think there is any issues that we are aware of and I think the announcement should be imminent and I think we are in a good place with that.

"It would have been great to sit here with everything locked down but I don't think there is anything sinister behind that - it's simply a timing issue."

The Commission checked on progress for the 'capital projects' for the Games including the refurbishment of Alexander Stadium, the Athletes Village development in Perry Barr and the construction of the Aquatics Centre on Londonderry Fields in Smethwick.

The latter sparked protests from campaigners keen to save the park but Sandwell Council granted planning permission in April.

Mr Jenkins said: "Everything seems to be on track, which is great, and we are very pleased about all the capital projects.

"Like with any capital project with three years to go, you can't say you are relaxed about it but certainly very reassured by what I have heard.

"(The Aquatics Centre) is on track, planning has gone through. I think there were a few objections but wasn't very many.

"The project is replacing two very old swimming pools with this brand new leisure centre so it's a phenomenal legacy for the area."

Mr Reid said 80 per cent of people who responded in the community engagement for the project were supportive of the centre.

The Commission will return to check on further progress in six months time and Mr Jenkins said: "Three years to go and I'd say overall, the CoComm are very much of the view that we are confident but you can't be complacent. But everything is really starting to take shape."

Mr Reid added: "We're delighted with where we are but we do take Chris' message very seriously about not being complacent."