My home city has so much heritage that should have shone through for the city of culture bid

When I found out that my home city had missed out on the chance to be named city of culture, I felt disappointed. I live in Peterborough, and I think it has so much more going for it than people realise.

Peterborough announced last month it would bid for the city of culture in 2029. I thought it was a great idea, and I was looking forward to the city being highlighted for all the good things it had to offer, as it is usually overlooked for having a bad reputation.

Once the expression of interest was made, the campaign began to highlight what this amazing city has to offer. Unfortunately, on Tuesday ( March 17), it was confirmed Peterborough didn’t make the final list – being beaten by nine other cities including Milton Keynes and Ipswich.

I’m not sure what these other cities had on offer that beat Peterborough, but it made me think about how much my home city does have.

Any place attempting to bid for the city of culture has to meet specific criteria. The first thing the judges are looking at is heritage, which Peterborough has bursting at the seams.

It’s a city full of history, which dates back as far as the Romans and Iron Age. Flag Fen is a great spot to visit to learn about Peterborough’s important role in the Iron Age. Anybody who went to school in Peterborough will tell you that it’s almost guaranteed that you visited Flag Fen on a school trip.

There are many places across the city that were significant areas for the Romans, including in Bretton, where Roman houses once stood. There’s also Durobrivae in the Nene Valley region which was an important walled Roman town.

The most historic sight is of course Peterborough Cathedral, a central part of the city. I sound like a broken record, but I’m proud Peterborough has this magnificent cathedral. It’s a 900-year old building that has stood the test of time, with notable figures such as Katharine of Aragon being buried there. It’s definitely a piece of architecture the city celebrates.

Another part of the criteria is based on leadership, which should “demonstrate a strong, collaborative leadership approach with clear commitment” and involvement from local authorities and community organisations.

While everyone may not know about them, there are many great organisations that bring out the best of the city. One group is Up the Garden Bath, run by Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Kez and learn about the work they are doing to support independent makers in Peterborough. The community interest company started from upcycling baths into planters, and they later opened a shop to showcase goods made by local people.

Another group that comes to mind is the Industrial Hub, a group that provides training opportunities and work experience for people with learning disabilities and autism. I also had the pleasure of meeting those who run the group, as well as those using it. The group showcases the kindness of people in the city, and helps people with learning disabilities to reach the best of their abilities.

One thing I love about the city is its investment in arts and sport. Vivacity, overseen by Peterborough City Council, runs sports and arts facilities across Peterborough. It celebrates and promotes arts with the Key Theatre and New Theatre. I’ve always been a supporter of the arts, and this is a part of the city that should be celebrated.

Personally, Vivacity has also been a big part of my life while growing up and also now, as I learnt to swim through Vivacity and also continue to keep fit at one of its gyms. Vivacity is an integral part of the city for both arts and sport.

The final part the bid looks at is transformation, and looks at what transformation would mean for the city and how it will be delivered.

One great thing about Peterborough is its convenient location which makes it a perfect commuter city for people working in places like Cambridge and London. While I think the railway station is too small for a commuter destination, it is getting a much-needed £50 million upgrade in the next few years.

The station quarter development will see the railway station grow, with an improved pick up area, creating a new gateway to the city. It’s an investment that will bring more people into the city and give people living here already, a chance to venture out in the world and go for those higher paid jobs.

Sometimes I feel that people forget that Peterborough is part of Cambridgeshire, and I am gutted that my city won’t get the opportunity to showcase all it has to offer. Yes, you could say Cambridge has a richer history with the university and notable figures, but Peterborough is an equally important city and shouldn’t be pushed aside or forgotten.

While Peterborough may not get the best reputation, the title would have finally give it the spotlight it deserves.