Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was given a glimpse of the future of Coventry at the world's leading property conference in Cannes.

Mr Prescott was shown ambitious plans for the £ 100 million Belgrade Plaza development by Advantage West Midlands chief executive John Edwards.

The Belgrade development is one of several West Midlands flagship schemes being showcased at the MIPIM conference by AWM and partners from across the region.

Advantage West Midlands approved funding worth £1.9 million towards the £10 million upgrade of the Belgrade Theatre last year which forms the centrepiece of the ambitious Belgrade Plaza scheme. The Plaza is being developed by Coventry City Council with Deeley Properties and Oakmoor Estates and will be a lively, vibrant entertainment and living quarter.

The proposed development features two hotels, more than 85,000 square feet of leisure and retail units and around 400 apartments.

Mr Edwards said: "The Belgrade Plaza scheme will have a tremendous impact on the vibrancy and appearance of Coventry city centre and is one of the most exciting developments planned for our region.

" John Prescott was clearly impressed with the proposals being put together by the city council with its key developers.

"AWM is committed to supporting the upgrade of the Belgrade Theatre and the wider regeneration of the city centre."