Leeds pips rivals to bag new Channel 4 HQ
CHANNEL 4 has chosen Leeds to be the site of its new UK headquarters after the Government told it to quit London and boost regional economies.
The TV station opted for the West Yorkshire city over Salford and Birmingham in a move that will be part of the biggest structural shake-up in its 35 years.
Bristol and Glasgow will also be home to new “creative hubs”. Some 300 jobs will be based in the hubs outside of the capital. Chief exec Alex Mahon said: “Leeds put forward a compelling strategy for how they could work alongside C4 to further build the strong independent production sector in the city and develop new diverse talent from across the region.
“Locating our national HQ in Leeds enables us to capitalise on a fast-growing independent production sector in cities across the North – and has the potential to unlock growth in the North East and East, an area without a major presence from other national broadcasters.”
Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman tweeted: “Love #Leeds & really excited.”
The station decided to move staff out of London to three new bases after the Government said it would remain publicly owned but faced being relocated.
The channel warned at the time forcing it to move “would be damaging”. Jack Hunter, of think-tank IPPR North, said: “This is brilliant news for Yorkshire and the North.
“The region is a dynamic hub for culture and creative industries and today’s announcement is a big symbolic investment in its future.”
Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “I look forward to Channel 4 taking further steps to increase its impact around the UK in the years ahead.”