Plans to build an Athletes' Village at the University of Warwick this summer have finally been given the go-ahead by Coventry City Council. The university's Central Campus and Cryfield Village are set to host 1,900 elite athletes competing in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
There are expected to be over 6,000 competitors in the Games which come to Birmingham for the first time ever from July 28 to August 8. Warwick is one of three Athletes' Villages springing up across the Midlands this summer.
The plans, however, were only approved by Coventry council at the end of last month (29 April). Warwick district council - the university spans both areas - had previously given them the green light. As the Village will be operating outside of term time the impact on students is believed to be small.
Competitors will be transported by bus to events and stay on campus in student accommodation, eat in dining areas and chill out in leisure spaces. But there will also be temporary additions to the site - hence the need for planning approval.
Tents and cabins for myriad uses such as training areas and storage are set to be installed on campus. A hair and beauty salon and security fencing to protect the sporting celebrities are some of the other changes that have been approved.
Supporting documents highlight the work and volunteering opportunities for locals that the village will produce.
"The proposed development will promote and build upon the profile of the University of Warwick and Coventry city as a centre of tourism, leisure culture and sport," another section states.
A statement on the University of Warwick website reads: "Over 12 days, 4,500 athletes from 72 countries will compete across 15 competition venues. Last year we were able to announce that we’ll be hosting one of the athletes’ villages, with close to 2,000 competitors making use of our campus facilities.
"You’ll start to see preparations around campus from the start of July 2022 as we get ready to welcome competitors."
It adds: "Major events like the Commonwealth Games can offer local communities access to extraordinary entertainment and help attract tourism, investment and opportunities. We want to play our part in showcasing our home in the West Midlands as an incredible place to live, work and visit."
The Games will also see Coventry arena used as a venue for Rugby sevens, Judo and Wrestling.