In 2012 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II one place will be awarded city status.

Medway has now submitted its bid to become the UK's newest city in 2012. The result of the city status competition will be announced in 2012. You can watch the handover of the bid document here.

While Medway has many of the features that make a city, being honoured with city status by Her Majesty in 2012 would be a new chapter in Medway’s great future.

Medway Council would like to thank Veolia Environmental Services (UK) plc for their kind support of Medway's city status bid.


We are proud of our heritage and we are excited by our future.

The Very Reverend Adrian Newman, Dean of Rochester

"As befits people who live on an ancient pilgrims' route, Medway residents are hospitable and welcoming. As people defined by the crossing of a river, they are used to overcoming obstacles...a capacity for innovation is in their blood."

Azhar Mahmood, Medway Human Rights and Equality Council

"The distinct community organisations, faith institutions and cultural groups of Medway's many ethnic minority communities contribute immensely to harmony, peace and prosperity and make Medway a diverse and inclusive society."

Bob Bounds, Editor, Medway Messenger newspaper

"Bidding for city status provides an opportunity to talk about who we are as a community, where we've come from, and most importantly where we're going. Having that debate and feeling confident and optimistic about the future can only be positive."

Pat Sanford, Head Teacher, High Halstow Primary School

"I have found pupils within Medway to be eager and enthusiastic learners who respond to challenges in a positive way. They are caring, compassionate and keen to become the next citizens who can make a difference to their future."