Culture minister says Sheffield's UK City of Culture shortlist spot "not a surprise"
“Previous competitions have shown the act of bidding, developing a cultural strategy, bringing partners together, regenerating shared spaces, leaves places better off regardless of the final result”
The Government’s culture minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, says “anyone who knows the city won't be surprised” by its place in the 2029 UK City of Culture shortlist.
Listing Steel City’s status as the “global home” of snooker, its theatres - “the largest complex outside London” - and the oldest football club in the world Sheffield FC, Ms Peacock, who is also a Barnsley MP, said “few places” could claim a history like Sheffield.
It is one of 17 areas to bid for the title and now one of just four in contention. Reaching the shortlist guarantees at least £125,000 to take forward some elements of the bid.
The bigger prize is £10 million, guaranteed from the outset for the very first time for a year of cultural activity that puts Sheffield's story centre stage.
She said: “Past winners show what's possible. Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford have all seen millions in extra investment, large rises in visitor numbers, and new jobs follow their win.
“Whatever happens next, Sheffield has already gained something from this process.
“Previous competitions have shown that the act of bidding, developing a cultural strategy, bringing partners together, regenerating shared spaces, leaves places better off regardless of the final result.”
The judging panel will visit soon to see the bid’s vision up close, speak to the people driving it and experience some of Sheffield's cultural highlights before a winner is chosen.
The MP added: “This is what the Prime Minister's mission to restore pride in place is all about - making sure people see their community properly reflected in our national story. Sheffield has every reason to feel that pride right now.”
Speaking about the snowball success of £35 million of local and national government investment in the Crucible, Ms Peacock said: “It's brilliant news that the World Championship is staying in Sheffield until at least 2045.
“And a multi-million pound refurbishment of the Crucible will help inspire the next generation and maintain Sheffield’s status as the global home of the sport.”