Glasgow councillors welcome decision to bring 2026 Commonwealth Games to city
Glasgow councillors have welcomed the decision to bring the 2026 Commonwealth Games to the city after organisers in Australia pulled the plug following a row over cost.
It was announced yesterday that Glasgow would host the event, after securing support from both the Scottish and UK Governments, with the slimmed down games now expected to cost around £115m.
Funding is expected to come from the Commonwealth Games Federation as part of the Victoria financial settlement towards the cost of the Games.
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Council leader Susan Aitken said although the event will be smaller than what people remember from 2014, officials will continue to offer support to make the Games a success on its own terms.
She said: “Glasgow is one of the world’s leading events cities – and a diverse range of organisers and promoters deliver hugely successful arts, sport and other events here that are not only important to the cultural life of the city but also make a really significant contribution to its economy.
“It should be no surprise that, in looking to reimagine competitive sport at a Commonwealth level, organisers feel Glasgow is a place where their plans can flourish.
“Throughout this process, Glasgow has offered technical advice and guidance to the team at Commonwealth Games Scotland – and, although the event being proposed will be smaller in scale and impact than what people will remember from 2014, officials will continue to offer what support they can to make it a success on its own terms.”
The Glasgow Greens have praised the decision to host the Games in the city saying it is another vote of confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver a major event.
They would like to see a visitor levy which could raise funds for local services.
Councillor Jon Molyneux said: “Councillors haven’t been directly involved in this decision, so, like many people, we want to see the detail of what’s planned and what that will mean, both for the city and for the council’s resources.
“Clearly, it is another vote of confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver major events and that is something we can continue to take pride in. We should also keep striving to make those events as sustainable as possible and to ensure that our citizens’ needs are not relegated as a result.
“We’d also like to see a visitor levy – which Greens have been leading the charge on – implemented in time, so the Games could raise funds to invest in local services.”
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Glasgow Labour leader George Redmond thanked Commonwealth Games Scotland for their relentless efforts in securing this incredible opportunity for Glasgow.
He said that the city has the chance to build on its success from 2014.
Councillor Redmond said: ”Hosting the Games once again will not only showcase Glasgow and Scotland on the global stage but also attract vital investment and tourism, delivering the economic renewal we urgently need. We recognise that the last Games came with high expectations, and while some goals were not fully realised due to unforeseen delays and challenges, we have learned valuable lessons that will guide us now.
”This is our moment to complete the legacy of 2014 and turn past experiences into future triumphs. We must be committed to ensuring that these Games not only meet but exceed our expectations.
“By investing in robust planning, transparent communication, and community involvement, we aim to create a legacy of tangible benefits that will uplift Glasgow and Scotland for years to come. This is not just about hosting an event but about delivering a future that reflects our highest aspirations and enduring spirit.
”We are dedicated to turning this opportunity into a success story, addressing past shortcomings with clear, actionable improvements. Together, we will make these Games a resounding success and build a legacy that will positively impact our city and its people for generations.”
Councillor Thomas Kerr said it was crucial that the games were going to be delivered at no cost to the taxpayer.
He added: “I remember the 2014 games fondly growing up and the great spirit they fostered in the city. While the 2026 event is set to be scaled back, I know there will be excitement at high-quality sport coming to Glasgow again.
“However, as we welcome people from across the world to Glasgow, I hope the city will look far better than it does right now on the SNP’s watch which has left a large part of our city looking dirty and unkempt.
“We must also use the 2026 event to foster a real legacy and inspire a future generation of athletes in Glasgow and across the country.”
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