Delivering the Programme

In the past, failures to robustly manage City of Culture programmes have led to additional burdens on local taxpayers. Mindful of this concern, we believe strong governance and financial controls are necessary to ensure successful delivery of any Peterborough 2029 programme.

Any bid submission would have to be made by Peterborough City Council as the Accountable Body, per requirements of the bidding process for the UK City of Culture programme. This would also provide financial assurance, governance and accountability to DCMS. Our preference would be for a cross-political, non-partisan bid, supported by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and the two MPs representing Peterborough in Parliament.

We envision the establishment of a new, independent organisation, Peterborough 2029, created specifically to explore the bid and, if successful, deliver the programme, with representation from multiple stakeholders from the public sector and creative industries.

The delivery organisation should operate at arm’s length from the Council, combining creative independence with robust public accountability. This model is well established for major cultural programmes.

Peterborough 2029 is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our diversity, invest in creativity and strengthen pride, participation and opportunity across the city.

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