Pools have been cast in concrete and construction of the dive tower has begun as work continues on the Sandwell Aquatics Centre ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Construction on the £73million project started in January 2020 and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2022.
The facility, which is the only brand new venue being constructed for the Games in the English midlands city, will host six days of swimming from 29 July-3 August followed by five days of diving from 4-8 August.
A press release from Birmingham 2022 stated that “the foundations and site drainage is in place, pools have been cast in concrete and tested and steel works for the frame of the building are complete. Work has also started on building the dive tower.”
Additional facilities will include a dry dive area, activity studios, sports halls and a fitness suite with a football pitch and urban park also on site with spring 2023 the projected reopening date.
Adam Peaty, who announced his arrival on the senior international stage at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, spoke in November 2020 of how a new facility can inspire the next generation.
He said:
Photo Courtesy: Birmingham 2020
“People shouldn’t underestimate how much a facility investment can help the local area, but it’s also a national investment.
“Competitions after the Games will be coming [to Sandwell] from left, right and centre.
“Never underestimate how much that brings, especially to local teams, local athletes and how much it inspires them.
“Hopefully we can secure that next generation of athletes.”
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