With 1,000 days to go, Glasgow 2014 is ‘on track and on budget’

THE next Commonwealth Games are “on track and on budget” according to a report published today by organisers Glasgow 2014.

With exactly 1,000 days to go before the opening ceremony at Celtic Park, the Games Partners’ Progress Report is confident that building work and other preparations will be completed on or ahead of schedule.

The National Indoor Sports Arena (Nisa) and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the East End of Glasgow are now 63 per cent complete, and work has begun on the terraced seating at the twin venues. Across the road from those two buildings, work on accommodation and facilities for 6,500 competitors and officials began in June.

In the same month, construction work began at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, while the Scottish National Arena is also taking shape in the SECC area. And work on the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre was completed in August, making it the first new venue to be ready.

As well as expressing confidence that the building programme is progressing well, the report highlights other areas where important work has been done and which have been of benefit to the wider economy. Of the 134 contracts which have been awarded, for example, 105 have gone to Scottish companies.

Three sponsorship deals have so far been made – with Harper Macleod, Search Consultancy and Ernst & Young – and the BBC has been appointed domestic broadcast rights holder. The completion of the M74 extension and M80 upgrade also receive a mention because of the improved access to venues they will provide for spectators.

“This report highlights the commitment by all at Glasgow 2014 and our Games partners to deliver – on time and on budget – an outstanding and memorable Games for Glasgow and Scotland,” Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said. “Whilst we are confident about the work and planning done so far, no-one at Glasgow 2014 is complacent about the task ahead as we enter the important detailed planning phase which will allow us to host a sporting event that will showcase Scotland at its very best on a global stage.”

Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison emphasised the Scottish Government’s support for the event. “Now more than ever the Scottish Government is determined that the Games will provide a lasting legacy that is relevant to all Scots,” she said. “Already across Scotland people are getting involved and feeling the excitement that the Games will bring.”

It was in November 2007 that Glasgow was elected to host the Games, beating Nigerian capital Abuja in a contest in which each Commonwealth member country had one vote. Nearly four years on, Glasgow councillor Archie Graham reflected on the progress made since that decision was made.

“One thousand days to go marks another phase in the countdown to the Games,” said Graham, the city council’s executive member for Glasgow 2014. “It is also a reminder of how quickly time has passed since we were awarded the Games. In that period we have made tremendous progress in preparing venues and infrastructure that will allow us to host a fantastic event. Much work remains to be done, but we are confident that the Games will be a great success and will leave a fantastic legacy for Glasgow and Scotland.”

The full Games Partners’ Progress Report is available from today on the official website, www.glasgow2014.com.