The new aquatics centre will hold 5,000 spectators ©Sandwell Council

The location for aquatic events at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has been unveiled.

The new £60 million ($84.5 million/ €68.5 million) Smethwick Commonwealth Aquatic Centre will be one of the few venues to be built for the Games as Birmingham already has 95 per cent of its facilities in place. 

The aquatic site, which will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a 25m diving pool and have a capacity of 5,000, will be built on the Londonderry Playing Fields in Smethwick, Sandwell, approximately 3.5 miles from the centre of Birmingham.

The centre will also include two activity studios, a 12-court sports hall, a 125-station gym, a ladies-only gym, an indoor cycling studio, a sauna/steam room and a café.

Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and chair of the Birmingham 2022 bid team, said: "I am delighted to hear that Sandwell Council has been able to come forward with further details of their preferred site and hope the approvals that are needed are secured in the near future.

"The new facility will be a great venue for the Commonwealth's finest aquatics talent to showcase their skills during the 2022 Games.

"Given there is a clear need for improved swimming facilities in the region, there is also a fantastic legacy for the local area and the wider West Midlands from this development."

Swimming events at Birmingham 2022 are set to be hosted in Sandwell ©Sandwell Council
Swimming events at Birmingham 2022 are set to be hosted in Sandwell ©Sandwell Council

Sandwell Council will now put forward the proposal to the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Steve Eling, Sandwell Council's leader, said: "The Commonwealth Games is going to be a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the West Midlands.

"Here in Sandwell, we are very proud to be part of it and to be chosen to host the aquatics centre, which will include diving and swimming events."

If approved, the construction of the new aquatics centre will see the closure of two local swimming pools including the grade two listed building, Smethwick Baths.

The Council say they will continue to use the Smethwick Baths building after the pool has been removed whilst they also said an alternative space would be provided for the lost playing fields, subject to planning permission.

Birmingham won the right to host the Commonwealth Games in December.