THE BUTTON has been pushed on an initiative that could deliver a multi-million-pound boost for the region with Sunderland submitting the first stage of its bid to become UK City of Culture.

The decision to whittle down the final 11 bidding towns and cities to an expected shortlist of four for the 2021 title, is now in the hands of judges representing the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Sunderland’s bid, which is expected to attract investment to the whole of the North-East, will face stiff competition as it goes up against Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, St Davids, Stoke, Swansea, Warrington and Wells in a battle for the coveted title.

It is estimated that this year’s City of Culture, Hull, will see an extra £60 million coming to its economy by the end of 2017. The city has already seen a £1billion boost in investment since being announced as the winner of the title in 2013.

The first stage of the bid was submitted yesterday, with shortlisted cities submitting a second stage bid in September and the winning city announced in December.

Rebecca Ball, director of Sunderland 2021, said: “This is a hugely significant moment and something that many, many people across the city and the North-East have been working towards for months.

“We have had fantastic expressions of support. There is a real sense of passion, enthusiasm and optimism as we submit this bid. It’s a really exciting occasion and we are all keeping everything crossed that the judges shortlist our fantastic city.

She added: “If this bid is successful, it will build on existing and planned infrastructure in a city that is already in the midst of a £1.5bn investment journey, which includes cultural projects such as the new auditorium, the Vaux redevelopment, Hylton Castle regeneration and many other exciting projects. “This is really about building on positive momentum – and in particular, about engaging our next generation to make sure we create a city they can be proud to call home.”

Representatives from the Music Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust, Sunderland City Council and the University of Sunderland – the founding partners of Sunderland Culture, which is responsible for Sunderland 2021’s bid – were also on hand to push the button on the final submission.

Sunderland City Council leader, Paul Watson, said: “There has been a real momentum building in Sunderland, and a real sense that this is our time to shine. We wholeheartedly believe that we can offer something special in 2021 if we are successful in this bid, and we eagerly await the decision of the judges, when we learn whether we are among the shortlisted places to make it to the next stage.”

Sunderland University Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson, said: “We are proud to be playing a lead role in Sunderland’s increasingly vibrant and creative culture, which is engaging audiences, bringing together communities and enriching lives.”

Paul Callaghan of the MAC Trust said: “Being part of this competition has created an opportunity for us to unite the city and wider region.

“People from across the region have pledged their support, and many, many businesses have gone a step further and put their hand in their pocket.

“Make no mistake, whether we make it to the next stage or not, Sunderland has the wind in its sails right now and we will use the momentum we have gained and the financial backing we have leveraged to create a step change in the cultural offer in this city. We are keeping our fingers crossed though – we sincerely hope we have done enough to make the shortlist – it would be such well-deserved recognition for Sunderland.”

For more information about Sunderland 2021’s bid visit www.sunderland2021.com or follow @Sunderland2021.