Birmingham business leaders back Coventry’s culture bid

BIRMINGHAM business leaders have backed Coventry’s bid to the UK City of Culture in 2021.

Hull is just weeks away from beginning its year in the spotlight and the culture baton will then be passed to the 2021 host.

Coventry’s bid to land the title was taken to the second city as part of its adoption by the wider region and won the backing of the business, civic and arts community at an event at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The bid, which was launched in Coventry earlier in the year, could bring more than £100 million of economic benefits to the city and the wider region. 

More than 200 people attended the event and heard from Martin Reeves, chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Coventry City Council; West Midlands High Sheriff Dr Keith Bradshaw, and David Burbidge and Laura McMillan.

Mr Reeves said: “Coventry wants this, Coventry needs this and Coventry deserves this but while it is Coventry’s name on the bid, this would bring benefits to the whole of the West Midlands.

“The WMCA is looking to drive the economy of the region and create 500,000 new jobs – culture is very much part of that and can help to ensure that those who haven’t previously benefitted from economic uplift feel connected to a future which taps into the amazing asset base and creativity of our people.”

David Burbidge, the chairman of the bid, added: “Our public and business launches in Coventry were very successful and helped to generate wonderful support for our bid.

“We are still working hard in the city to ensure that we maintain the profile of the bid and show how a win for Coventry would help to drive a real step-change for the city.”