SALISBURY could be in line to bid for City or Town of Culture status under a government-backed regeneration scheme.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday (January 16), MP John Glen highlighted the city as a potential contender as it prepares to mark 800 years since receiving its Royal Charter next year.

Mr Glen asked Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy for guidance on whether Salisbury should bid for City of Culture or Town of Culture status.

“As it is really a town with a cathedral, should it bid for town of culture or the city of culture competition, as it celebrates its 800th year since its charter?” he asked.

Ms Nandy said there is a clear distinction between the two competitions, but suggested Salisbury would be a strong candidate either way.

John Glen questions the Secretary of State.

She said: “I imagine that the right hon. Gentleman is anticipating that Salisbury would be a worthy winner of both, and I look forward to seeing whichever bid he submits.

“He will know that larger towns were eligible under the last government to apply for the City of Culture competition, but we have designed this contest so that small and medium-sized towns can also get a hearing.

“We would be delighted to see a bid in whichever part of the contest he believes is most fitting.”

Following the exchange, Mr Glen voiced his support on social media, saying he welcomed the opportunity for Salisbury to bid for City or Town of Culture status.

“With our 800-year anniversary next year, we would be a worthy candidate recognising the depth of our cultural assets projected across a wide rural hinterland,” he said.

Under the government scheme, successful towns and cities can decide how funding is spent, with investment able to support priorities such as improvements to pavements and high streets, alongside culture and green spaces.

Amesbury has already applied for the status, raising the prospect of multiple Wiltshire communities benefiting from the programme.

The UK Town of Culture competition follows the UK City of Culture scheme, which ministers say has demonstrated how culture and investment can work together to drive regeneration.

Bradford, the current UK City of Culture, is forecast to see £389 million in growth across the district.