SOUTHAMPTON councillors from all political parties have committed to supporting a bid for the city to become City of Culture 2025.

Civic chiefs put aside their political differences  and gave their support to the creation of Southampton’s City of Culture bid. 

This means that councillors will now work with stakeholders, partners, members of the community to prepare a bid which is expected to be submitted in 2021.

If successful, Southampton will become City of Culture 2025, a move that is expected to bring millions of pounds of investment to the city.

All councillors gave their support to the idea at the full council meeting held on Wednesday.

They highlighted how the bid would help make the most of the talents in the city, inspire future generations and engage with more residents and visitors.

Cllr  Sativr Kaur, cabinet members for homes and culture at Southampton City Council (SCC), moved a motion calling on councillors to support the creation of the bid.

She said Southampton is already a city of culture but this would be an opportunity to make it become “the City of Culture”.

She said: “It is a great honour to move this cross-party motion. We got elected to this chamber because we are passionate about our city and work tirelessly to help Southampton reach its full potential.”

She highlighted the projects completed over the past years, including the development of the of the new cultural quarter which provided facilities for the John Hansard Gallery and the Nuffield Theatre. 

Cllr Kaur added: “What we can do is to build on that and take Southampton to the next level. From my understanding we are the only city in the region that will be bidding.”

The motion was seconded by opposition councillor John Hannides (pictured) who said: “It is a privilege to second this motion. In moments like this we, quite rightly, have risen to the challenge that is presenting a proposition that we are all happy to support.”