The City Council warmly welcomes the Government’s announcement today of a brand new Medical School for Coventry.

Councillor John Fletcher, Leader of the City Council said:

"This is a further manifestation of the Government’s commitment to the regeneration of Coventry and a recognition of the growing importance of the Coventry / Warwickshire / Solihull sub-region and the contribution it can make to the future quality of life of the West Midlands and Britain as a whole.

"The new Medical School has to be in place by 2004 and the City Council will ensure that sufficient land is made available in the city centre to support this very important development.

"On behalf of the people of Coventry, we congratulate Warwick University and Leicester University for working so hard to show how a centre of medical excellence and training should be developed in Coventry. As well as medical and health benefits, we see this very welcome announcement as an important step in the further diversification of our local and sub-regional economy.

"As always, the City Council will play its full part in maximising the opportunities that this important announcement brings."