U4D welcome UK culture bid

After the city was shortlisted as one of four potential candidates - the others are Sheffield, Norwich and Birmingham - Derry City Council will now seek to recruit marketing specialists to help contest the crown.

University for Derry (U4D) believes the aspirations for City of Culture are consistent with the objective of making Londonderry a proper University City and is asking for everyone in the city and region to support both ambitions.

Padraig Canavan, chair of U4D, said: "Derry-Londonderry is striving to be a city of education, culture and enterprise.

"The confirmation that the city has reached the final shortlist of four in the City of Culture competition is significant and very welcome news.

"U4D applauds the success of Derry City Council, Ilex and all who worked on the bid in such an enthusiastic and professional way.

"Culture has many facets – but a strong university presence can sit at the heart of much of this.

"Magee's acknowledged excellence in performing arts is obviously part of this.

"But as the Magee presence gets bigger, so the cultural provision in the city can grow even stronger – with higher demand from students, their families and other tourists.

"Culture and universities are inextricably linked – as is Derry-Londonderry to its historical roots and contemporary culture.

"The progress of the bid is a great example of how Derry-Londonderry can leverage its most valuable assets for future economic benefit.

"We likewise think Magee, the river and Altnagelvin can be so leveraged for future economic, regeneration and health benefit though a significant and well planned university expansion."