Coventry City Council’s plan to project the image of the city in a new light gathers pace this week.

On Thursday, 3 December, Councillors will be asked to approve a scheme which will transform the front of the Council House through the imaginative use of modern lighting techniques. The lighting of the Council House will provide a stunning backdrop to one of the three new squares being planned for key city centre locations.

Based on lessons learned in the most successful European cities, the Council is embarking on a strategy for city centre revitalisation which Councillors believe will give a new sense of pride and belonging to Coventry people and act as a beacon for the business and tourist trade.

Councillor Mick Nolan, Chair of the Economic Regeneration Policy Team, said:

"Cities across Europe are becoming the engines for economic regeneration and recovery. But they must provide a product which appeals to the large inward investor as well as the couple or the family looking for a relaxing, safe and enjoyable tourist break.

"We have discovered that the way in which city centres are can act as a magnet for people who are drawn to them for business or pleasure. And of course lighting also provides a safe, clean and welcoming environment for everyone who wants to enjoy the pleasures that our distinctive city centre has to offer."

The illumination of the front of the Council House, in all its intricate and historical detail, will highlight the City Council’s overall lighting strategy which will take shape over the coming months, culminating in the build-up to the Millennium celebrations.

Nick Nolan added:

"I am confident that our commitment to the future of our city will act as a spur and give an added confidence boost to our friends and partners in the commercial and business sectors. The dramatic effect that the lighting of our wonderful Council House will have on the city as a whole will, I am sure, act as a catalyst for other companies to get involved in similar schemes.

"The results can only be good for them and for the people who live and take pride and ownership in Coventry."