Liverpool has become the UK’s bid for the European Capital of Culture 2008.
The announcement, made by culture secretary Tessa Jowell this morning, will give the city access to a bigger slice of European regeneration funding.
Liverpool beat five other cities to win the nomination, including the bookies’ favourite, a joint bid from Newcastle and Gateshead.
The other cities were Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford.
The city beat the competition based on its vibrant development projects, including the Will Alsop-designed Fourth Grace, and its rich musical heritage.
An independent study commissioned by the Liverpool bid team, Liverpool Culture Company, has predicted that the city will attract £2bn investment over the next five years if it wins the European title.
Although the government can only nominate the city, the final confirmation of the UK’s candidate by the EU is seen as a formality.
Supporters of the bid included former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.
References: EGi News 04/06/03
