Express & Star comment: Commonwealth Games centre we can all be proud of
It is great to see that plans for a new aquatics centre in the heart of the Black Country are gathering pace.
The £60 million development has been earmarked for Smethwick and will host events in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
It is expected to feature an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 25-metre diving pool and 5,000 spectator seats, in what is sure to be a venue that the region can be proud of.
While it is disappointing that the Black Country is not playing a bigger role in the games, we should celebrate the fact that sporting excellence will be taking place right on our doorstep.
It means that the eyes of the world will be on Sandwell.
And let us not forget, long after the last medal has been handed out, the aquatics centre will be there to serve the local community for decades to come.
Here's to a fantastic event that will really put the region on the map.
