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Austin Court welcomed Team
South Africa
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better ,” says Roberts .
Back to business
“ You can focus on individual cases of legacy as well ,” says Mynett . “ For example , the £ 72m Alexander Stadium not only hosted sporting events , but it ’ s now about to become a conference and event facility .
“ There ’ s also the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre , which provided an elite swimming facility during the Games .”
The legacy and revitalisation not only affect large-scale venues in the region , but also for smaller venues like IET Birmingham : Austin Court .
When the pandemic hit , Devi tells me the Grade II listed building had to turn away bookings . “ We are a small venue ; our largest capacity is 150 and we could only accommodate 24 with social
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distancing measures . But , on the positive side , clients were still ringing in to make bookings . We have about 70 % repeat clients ,” she says .
Despite the challenges the pandemic presented for IET Birmingham , its space was still utilised . For example , a university used the venue for overspill space for its business management students . “ We were lucky to have a six-month contract with them . They used three of our rooms for four days a week , which really helped in terms of recovery ,” says Devi .
Once restrictions eased , London seemed to bounce back quicker than Birmingham . “ IET London : Savoy Place , our sister venue , had more of an influx of enquiries than the Midlands . That ’ s why the 2022 Commonwealth Games were essential for injecting much needed business into destinations
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Angie Devi
Sian Roberts
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like Birmingham ,” adds Devi .
During the Games , IET Birmingham hosted Team South Africa . “ They called us ‘ ekhaya ’, which means a home away from home ,” reveals Devi . “ They were using our venue to showcase their business and culture . We had the South African Women in Sport event , which saw athletes come on site – there was a great sense of community and excitement ,” she says .
“ Venues across the West Midlands can use the Games as an opportunity to host more large-scale events – as it shows we are able to do these major events , and that we are a major player ,” she says .
Although the Games are now over , its legacy in the West Midlands has just begun and is expected to only grow further . CN
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