Durham Capital of Culture victory will bring £250m

Jan 28 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

WINNING the Capital of Culture title would boost Durham’s economy by £250m according to tourism experts.

Speaking at an event in the city to outline plans for the bid to become Britain’s first City of Culture in 2013, Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership, said winning the title would bring with it a host of economic benefits.

If successful, it is expected to create thousands of jobs and see events such as the Brit Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year staged in the county.

She said the number of hotel beds in the city and immediate surrounds could double from 3,700 to 7,400.

“The bid is selling what we have in Durham, what we’ve had in the past and what we could have in the future,” she said. We think it’s unique and a really exciting offer. It reflects the assets of the whole county, its people and the enthusiasm of the public.”

It is hoped two famous faces from the region will help efforts to win the bid.

A photograph of the late Sir Bobby Robson is fronting the bid portfolio, along with one of his famous quotes: “I’d have given my right hand to be a pianist”.

And the Independent Advisory Panel which will make the final recommendation on which ‘city’ should win includes Lauren Laverne, 31, who was born in nearby Sunderland.