The City Council has this week appointed consultants to study the socio – economic impact of the new Superhospital on both of the proposed sites.

Major international consultancy firm DTZ Pieda have been chosen to conduct the study to look in depth at the effects of building the hospital on both the city centre and Walsgrave sites.

Councillor John Fletcher, Leader of the City Council, said today:

"The City Council is committed to the city centre site and the regeneration of our city. Any building project of this scale is going to have a major impact on the site chosen. We are keen to know what the particular effects will be for each of the proposed sites, especially in the areas of environmental impact, accessibility and transport, and the local economy. DTZ Pieda have the right reputation, the right experience and the right team of experts to handle what is bound to be an important document in the Superhospital site debate."

The study will cost £20,000 and will be completed by 19 February 1999.

Further information: Myles Mackie, Principal Strategy Officer, City Development Directorate on 01203 831332.