Glasgow to set up Commonwealth ‘ODA’

Scotland’s second city won its bid to host the Games last Friday, ahead of Abuja in Nigeria. Now the search is on for a chief executive to head an operating commission – its equivalent of the ODA.

A source close to the Games said that although individuals had yet to be approached organisers were looking for a “high profile figure from the world of politics” to lead its programme. After the appointment is made, work to find contractors will begin.

The biggest new-build element is the £245m athletes’ village, which has been masterplanned by RMJM.

During the Games, 1,500 units will house 8,000-plus athletes on a new development on the banks of the river Clyde. After 2014, the apartments will be used for social and private housing.

According to the bid document, £228m of the village’s cost is to be met by the private sector. It is understood that a PPP is likely.

Alistair Brand, a director at RMJM, said: “It’s most likely to be a consortium of developers, but it will all depend on how it is procured. They will be looking at bringing in the public sector.”

Organisers are looking for a high profile figure from the world of politics

Source close to the games

The £76m National indoor sports arena, designed by Sports Concepts and 3D Reid, and Foster + Partners’ £112m national entertainments arena, are being rushed towards the bidding stage.

The council will appoint a remediation specialist and a main contractor for the indoor sports arena over the next few months.

The 12,500-seat entertainments arena, housing netball and gymnastics, will be put out to tender. Construction on both venues is expected to start next year.

Also up for grabs is a £12.5m second swimming pool and auditorium at Tollcross Park Aquatics Centre, and the £3m redevelopment of Glasgow Green.

Morrison Construction is among contractors that have expressed an interest in bidding for Games work.