The money, which will also be used to help Coventry get ready for its role as the UK City of Culture 2021, has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The funding will be used to enhance and improve the city centre ahead of the expected arrival of millions of visitors for City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, to be mainly staged 21 miles north of Coventry in Birmingham. 

Both events are set to give a huge boost to the cultural identity and reputation of the region offering an opportunity to increase its attractiveness as a place in which to invest, live, work and study, WMCA claim.

 The netball competition is due to take place at the Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena during Birmingham 2022. 

England will line up as the reigning Commonwealth Games champions, having won gold at Gold Coast 2018, and will be hoping to retain their crown in front of a home crowd.

The money agreed by the WMCA Board will be used to help fund the "Coventry City Centre First – City of Culture" project which involves improvements to the urban environment, road and cycle routes, improved coach parking and refreshing of public spaces and art. 

"The UK City of Culture offers a unique and golden opportunity for Coventry to showcase itself to the world," West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said. 

"Coupled with the Commonwealth Games, where thousands of visitors will stay in and visit the city, 

"it really is absolutely vital that we make not only a wonderful first impression but create a lasting legacy for those living in Coventry."