Up to £70 million is to be invested in Birmingham's Alexander Stadium ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced the multi-million pound investment during a visit to the Stadium as she met young athletes hoping to compete in future games.

Plans include increasing the Stadium's capacity from 12,700 to 40,000, as well as retaining 20,000 permanent seats after the event. The revamped venue will also include new community sports facilities within the new stand, a permanent warm-up track and a new conference meeting space created to host business and cultural events after the Games.

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The Prime Minister said: "Birmingham's dynamism, diversity and ambition capture exactly what it is to be part of the Commonwealth and I'm sure that in four years' time, the people of this city will host an incredible event which showcases the very best of Britain to the world.

"The investment I am announcing today will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility benefitting the local community and the region well beyond 2022."

(LM/MH)