Bradford councillors asked to back 2025 City of Culture bid

Councillors in Bradford have been asked to back the city’s bid to become 2025 UK City of Culture.

The bid is being led by a team which includes the University of Bradford, Bradford College and live arts company the Brick Box, as well as other organisations and a report will be presented to the council next week (September 10), asking them to become a principal partner in the bid.

The UK City of Culture is awarded by the government every four years.

The council will be asked to approve funding of up to £1.44m over three years to support the bid and help secure additional investment for the project.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: ‘It would be absolutely marvellous for Bradford if the bid were successful – it would benefit every corner of the district.

‘I think we’ve got a really strong offer and the process of bidding and associated events will attract vital investment.

‘This has been the experience of other past participants that we have spoken to.’

‘It shows off the district to its best advantage and promotes us nationally and globally to investors if we win.

‘This means more jobs and more opportunities for economic regeneration in Bradford. It’s clear that any investment we make at this stage will attract significant funds in the future.’

Final bids will be submitted in 2021, with the winning entry announced in December that year.

Hull was the previous UK City of Culture in 2017 with the city’s university claiming it brought £228m of investment to the city. Coventry will hold the title in 2021 and has so far attracted over £36m in external revenue and capital funding.