City of Culture 2025: What next for Southampton?

The work started by the bid team is set to be a "catalyst for change" in the city despite Bradford being named victorious last night.

It’s hoped the Southampton 2025 Trust - and its supporters - will attract investment into the city.

A huge crowd turned out at The Spark at Solent University to cheer on Southampton ahead of the announcement by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries live on The One Show.

Read more: Southampton misses out on City of Culture crown - As it happened

Leader of the council, Cllr Satvir Kaur, said the competition “was never the beginning and it will not be the end,” vowing to continue the work that saw the city shortlisted in the final four.

Cllr Kaur said everyone coming together to support the bid has been “completely transformative”.

She said: “Throughout this process we have tried to make sure that it is meaningful to everyone in Southampton.

"Everyone one has played their part in putting Southampton’s best foot forward. Now it is about making sure that the time and energy is recognised and what we have achieved as a city.

“Like the Saints, we march on. We will carry on working together to Make it SO.”

The scene at Solent University before the announcement was made. Picture by Stuart Martin (Image: Newsquest)

Southampton was competing against County Durham and Wrexham County Borough, as well as winner Bradford.

Despite missing out on the title, the city will be awarded £125,000 - as will all runners up.

Shelina Permalloo, chair of the Southampton 2025 Trust and a previous Masterchef winner, said the contest has “brought the city together more than we’ve ever seen before”.

“It has been an incredible process," she said. "There is so much talent.

"There is so much to nurture. Southampton is not going to stand in the shadows.

"We’re a city that deserves to be seen.”

Peter Taylor, President of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, was in the crowd watching the announcement live.

He told the Echo: “That work isn’t wasted. We are able, off the back of this shared sense of purpose and collaboration across the city, and across the wider region, to continue to develop this city as a great place for our grandkids and our great grandkids to thrive.

"This is the catalyst for change, and certainly speaking on behalf of the business community, we are committed to carrying on the good work of the bid team have started.”

Southampton FC Managing Director Toby Steele told the Echo the bid has “really taken us to another level” and said it was important to work towards “keeping that momentum going”.

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