Capital bids to host new Channel 4 HQ

CARDIFF is bidding to be the location for a new national headquarters for Channel 4.

The broadcaster has confirmed it is establishing a new national HQ outside London, which would also house one of three new regional creative hubs.

Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff council, has written to the channel’s chief executive Alex Mahon to make a strong case for the capital – saying the city is already home to one of the UK’s largest media production centres.

But Cardiff will be up against stiff competition from other UK cities such as Leeds, Bristol and Birmingham.

If it fails to win the HQ bid, it is also seeking to secure one of two smaller creative hubs the channel is also committed to establishing.

The largest of the creative hubs will be known as Channel 4’s National HQ and will regularly host executive and board meetings for the broadcaster.

The channel said the three hubs and HQ would be home to about 300 staff.

However, the channel, which current employs about 800, said it could not yet give a breakdown on jobs in each of the new operations.

Cllr Thomas, in his letter to Ms Mahon, says: “I have no hesitation in taking this opportunity to confirm to you our intention to bid to secure one of the new creative hubs. This is based on Cardiff’s widely acknowledged strengths as a nationally significant centre of broadcasting and cultural excellence.

“You will be aware that Cardiff is the centre of a booming creative industry sector, employing 15,000 people and worth around £1.06bn of GVA.

“The Bazalgette Review and Nesta’s latest creative nation report confirm our place as one of the UK’s largest media production centres outside of London with the BBC, S4C and ITV based in the city. I am aware that C4 already draws upon the expertise of a number of Cardiff’s independent businesses.

“The city’s skills base is second to none. Film, television radio, video games, animation and postproduction activities are at the heart of Cardiff’s creative growth, supported by world class universities teaching over 7,000 students in creative courses.”

Channel 4 is expected to confirm the location of its new HQ and hubs in September.

Relocation of staff will 2019.

Ms Mahon said: “This is a significant and exciting moment of change for Channel 4 as we evolve to ensure we are best suited to serve all of the UK.” start