An application for final planning approval for the proposed Gymnastics and Martial Arts Centre at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium are set to be submitted in the next couple of weeks. The Stadium is already home to a UK Athletics High Performance Centre, used by some of the world's top athletes, including Jamaica's world 100 metres record holder Asafa Powell.

 

Outline planning approval has already been obtained for the centre, which will boast state of the art gymnastics and martial arts training facilities. The GMAC, as it has become known, will have an 1840 sq.m gymnastic training hall with two floor areas to accommodate both traditional floor exercise and rhythmic gymnastics, a variety of fixed apparatus and tumble runs.

 

It will also have spectator capacity for up to 460 people on retractable seating which when pulled back will create an area for trampolining.

 

In addition, there will be three martial arts areas to provide for aikido, judo, karate, ju-jitsu, kendo and wrestling. When not in use for martial arts one of the rooms will be used for aerobics and other types of exercise classes, demonstrating the versatility of the new facility.

 

Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture explained how the new facility would benefit local people.

 

“I am delighted that the GMAC is moving a step closer to reality," he said. "It represents a significant investment in the sporting infrastructure in Birmingham but particularly for the people of Perry Barr and north Birmingham.

 

"For the first time they would have access to first class gymnastics and martial arts facilities which I am sure will encourage thousands of people to be more active.

"This centre will also be a venue where elite gymnasts and martial arts groups can train and hopefully this will inspire even more youngsters in the city to participate and maybe even become the Olympic Champions of the future.”

 

The centre is designed to blend in with its park environment and the comments of local people have been taken on board with regard to sitting and screening. The building will have a “green” living roof over the martial arts areas to encourage birds and wildlife together with sympathetic landscaping in terms of grass banks and planting of shrubs and trees.

 

Funding for the GMAC is being provided primarily from the sale of Birmingham Sports Centre. Grants are also being sought from Sport England and from environmental agencies for the green roof.

 

The city already has strong links with the sport of gymnastics having successfully staged the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Final in 2004 and with the Trampoline and Tumbling World Cup Final set to be held at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in November these links will be strengthened further.

 

The Great Britain Judo World Cup Final for women was also staged in Birmingham for the first time this year and a men’s World Cup event be staged in September 2007.

 

The new facility could also therefore become an important training venue for competitors participating in any future gymnastic or martial events staged in the city.