But two years later, when the previously selected host city of Durban was forced to relinquish its status due to financial constraints, Birmingham went up against Liverpool in a second round of bids – and won.

It was fortuitous timing for a city that had seen its stock rise significantly in the past few years. In 2015, flagship retail and leisure destination Grand Central opened above New Street Station, which also got a sorely needed revamp.

Earlier this year, HSBC opened its new headquarters in Birmingham – arguably the most high-profile business to relocate outside London. And preparations are also under way for the opening of HS2 in 2026, which has brought with it a wave of commercial and residential development.

So how will the games add to the already significant amount of development and investment activity in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. And what will the legacy of the games be?