Birmingham City University (BCU) says it is time to turbocharge the 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy mission by making Alexander Stadium a “beacon for the whole city and for the whole of the West Midlands”.

At an official launch event marking BCU’s first full term of teaching at the iconic venue, Anita Bhalla, Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, told Dame Denise Lewis DBE and other assembled guests that the arena can become a powerful force for community good.

Anita Bhalla, who is also Chair of B:Music, the charity that runs Symphony Hall and Town Hall said: “People have often talked about the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, how they would help the region to grow and to succeed, how they would improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“We’re now two years on from Ozzy Osbourne closing the Games here at Alexander Stadium, but how strong is that legacy? We understand that legacy work has been happening - and we know that it is working well in some areas - but there is no doubt we can do more.”

Bhalla says BCU’s position as a key tenant at the stadium, after investing £5.5 million into developing teaching space in the East and West stands, should be viewed as the catalyst for breathing fresh life into the legacy of the venue.

“We’ve brought everyone together to gauge the potential of this stadium because that is what BCU does,” she said. “We are an anchor institution of this city, and we know our responsibility in being a convenor of individuals, organisations and businesses that share our ambitions.

“And what tops those ambitions? It’s making this city thrive, it’s giving people the opportunity to make the most of their potential, and it’s making the most of the potential within this city.

“It’s why BCU took a stake in this stadium. We know the great potential for this stadium to be a beacon for the whole city and for the whole of the West Midlands.”

Dame Denise, now president of UK Athletics and a huge advocate of Alexander Stadium, was among the guests at Tuesday’s official launch event.

The former Olympic heptathlon champion joined BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, incoming BCU Chancellor Ade Adepitan and key stakeholders to tour the world-class facilities and hear BCU’s ambitious community engagement plans.

Broadcaster, activist and Paralympic medallist Adepitan, who succeeds Sir Lenny Henry as BCU Chancellor, talked to guests about the value sport can play in transforming lives, keeping the nation fit, and inspiring the next generation of world-class athletes.

Mr Adepitan, who won a bronze medal with Great Britain’s wheelchair basketball team at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens said: “What you see today is only the start. 

“Yes, this is a fantastic new home for our sports and exercise staff and students. It also a wonderful new home for our talented athletes and sports teams. But it can be so much more.

“It’s the communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands who I hope can be truly uplifted by BCU’s presence here. I’m excited to see what we can achieve.”

Dame Denise, awarded an Honorary Doctorate by BCU in 2023, spent part of the afternoon talking to and having her photograph taken with local school pupils participating in a BCU sports festival at the stadium.

Other attendees included representatives from Birmingham City Council, UK Athletics, Sport Birmingham, Sport England, Volleyball England, West Midlands Growth Company, Warwickshire CCC, Birchfield Harriers, England Athletics, City of Birmingham Swimming Club, and the Aston Villa Foundation.