Avison Young appointed as property manager for Alexander Stadium, home of the Commonwealth Games

Global commercial real estate firm Avison Young has been appointed as property manager for Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Following the successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, Birmingham City Council is now focused on enhancing the facility as part of its legacy business plan and ongoing development programme.

A £72 million investment was made to upgrade the stadium for the Commonwealth Games, followed by a series of further enhancements to support the community and legacy business plan. The stadium’s transformation includes the creation of commercial function spaces in the new West Stand, flagship sporting facilities and tenanted areas in the West and East stands.

In 2024, Birmingham City University (BCU) relocated its sport and exercise science campus to the stadium, using its own capital funding to fit out the spaces. The move included repurposing the areas beneath the East and West grandstand seating, which has now already been established as office and teaching spaces.

The development has created two multi-let commercial buildings that stand on their own exclusive estate. Current occupiers in the stadium include Birchfield Harriers, Corporate Sporting Events (CSE), UK Athletics, and Birmingham City University.

The world-class stadium now stands as a state-of-the-art regional hub for sporting events, higher education, corporate events, community activities, and business engagement.

Avison Young has been appointed to provide expert guidance in establishing an appropriate and transparent management framework for a service charge strategy that aligns with the unique characteristics of the complex.

The firm will provide surveying and accounting services to effectively manage landlord and tenant relationships and ensure a first-class experience for occupiers and their visitors to Alexander Stadium.

The appointment represents an extension of the work Avison Young is already undertaking for Birmingham City Council across a range of other commercial assets.

Guy Thompson, Principal at Avison Young UK, said:
“We are proud to be involved in supporting the legacy of the Commonwealth Games and contributing to the long-term success and evolution of Alexander Stadium. This distinctive asset presents an exciting and unconventional challenge that aligns perfectly with our expertise in bespoke property management solutions.

“We are committed to maximising the value of the investment and enhancing the stadium’s role as a key asset for the city and wider region.”

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council, said:
“Collaborating with Avison Young will be instrumental in enhancing the relationships with our partners based at Alexander Stadium. Their expertise in bespoke property management makes them an ideal partner to help us unlock the full potential of the stadium.

“We are excited to see how this partnership will maximise the benefits of the significant investment made and support the stadium’s continued success as a cornerstone of the city's sporting legacy.”