WE are not deprived enough – that is why a tourism boss believes Southampton missed out on the chance to become the UK City of Culture 2017.

Peter Colling, managing director of Tourism South East, spoke out after the city’s joint bid with Portsmouth was overlooked yesterday as Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea were named on the shortlist for the accolade.

One of those cities can now look forward to a multi-million pound boost when the final decision is made in November.

Current holder Derry- Londonderry in Northern Ireland has received £80m of investment.

Mr Colling said that the fact no bids from the south of the country made it on to the shortlist showed that the focus was on investing in regions that were seen as deprived.

“The panel may have felt that Portsmouth and Southampton are more affluent,” he told the Daily Echo.

“Part of the bid process was to demonstrate ‘a need’ to be the City of Culture and severe economic deprivation is a need that possibly was a strong factor.

“Those who put the bid together did their very, very best and I feel they were up against that challenge.”

The disappointment of missing out on the title was keenly felt by those who led the south coast bid including Bestival organiser Rob da Bank, who was its creative consultant.

He said: “I’m so disappointed that we didn’t make it through to the next round and gutted for everyone who worked so hard on a superb and influential bid. I obviously still feel Portsmouth and Southampton have an incredible journey ahead of them in terms of our growing culture across so many disciplines and I intend to stay firmly involved in their continued development.”

Cllr Matt Tucker, Southampton City Council Cabinet member for economic development and leisure, added: “Obviously we are disappointed not to have been shortlisted, but what this bid has shown is that we’re already on our way to becoming a region famed for its culture. We’ve been overwhelmed by support and will continue to work on the exciting opportunities which have come about since we launched our intention to become a city of culture.”

Phil Redmond, the head of the advisory panel that decided on the shortlist for the 2017 title, said: “In the end the panel thought the four shortlisted cities offered plans that were ambitious, realistic and would not only deliver for their communities, but would also maintain the momentum created around the success of Derry- Londonderry.”

What do the finalists have that we don't?

The other unsuccessful bidders were Chester, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Plymouth, and Southend-on- Sea.

While between them Southampton and Portsmouth can boast one of the finest art collections in Europe, the Spinnaker Tower, the recently opened Mary Rose Museum and the rich history of the port and maritime industry including the story of the Titanic, it wasn’t enough to win a place on the shortlist. So what do the four contenders have that we don’t?

Hull
Recently revamped Hull Truck theatre, the Albemarle Music Centre and Hull History Centre. Has a 10-year plan that aims to deliver a new international gallery, a dance centre and a new music venue in addition to the improved facilities planned for the University of Hull’s new library and gallery.

Dundee
Boasts an art gallery and museum plus the Caird Hall, its premier venue for concerts, exhibitions and events. Also has Britain’s only full time public observatory and has an extinct volcano. Embarking on a huge redevelopment of the city’s waterfront and hopes the Dundee V&A will be the centrepiece for its bid.

Leicester
Bid focussed on Leicester’s creative industries. Its Diwali celebrations also featured heavily as Leicester hosts some of the biggest outside of India wirh up to 35,000 people attending. The University of Leicester also plans to open a new contemporary arts venue in early 2015.

Swansea
Recently spent £6m on revamping the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, also investing in redeveloping the marina and bay. The Swansea Bay in conjunction with Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire councils bid also includes the Gower peninsula which is rated as among the most beautiful coastline in the country. Home to the Dylan Thomas Centre, along with venues including the Brangwyn Hall, Grand Theatre and the Guildhall.