Hull to pursue other creative investment after failed bid
YORKSHIRE AS a whole may still be in the running to host the new home of Channel 4 but there was disappointment in one area of the region which missed out.
Despite an ambitious bid for the broadcaster’s new national headquarters or one of its two creative hubs to be located in Hull, the city did not make the shortlists released by Channel 4 yesterday.
A disappointed Coun Daren Hale, Hull Council’s deputy leader, promised that the setback would not stop the city from continuing to strive for new creative and cultural investment following Hull’s City of Culture year.
“We are disappointed to have missed out on reaching the next stage of Channel 4’s shortlisting process after putting together an ambitious bid but ultimately, you will never win the lottery if you never buy a ticket and like with the 2017 City of Culture, dreaming big and bold will lead to many successes and the odd near-miss,” Coun Hale said.
“But Hull is a city that will never stop striving to attract major investment.
“The city recently announced funding for a £27.5m major maritime project, while our digital and tech industry has grown by 15 per cent since 2014, employing more than 4,000 people and turning over £568m last year.
“Hull City Council will continue to seek further creative and cultural investment in the city.”
No one should be in any doubt about the “sheer ambition” of the city, added Mark Jones, the council’s director of regeneration.
He added: “From a City of Culture year that exceeded all expectations to attracting global companies like Siemens, we have proven what can be achieved when businesses, the council and residents work together for the benefit of Hull.
“Today, we pass on our congratulations to the shortlisted cities and we continue our collective efforts to make Hull a place to live, learn, work, study and invest.”
Some 30 submissions were received by Channel 4 from authorities wanting to host the new national HQ and two creative hubs.
The shortlist was put together by chief executive Alex Mahon and her team.
Each of the shortlisted cities will now take part in a second stage, which includes Channel 4 visiting each city for a presentation and Q&A.
After this, the broadcaster said it will “engage in further discussions with cities and regions as necessary” before selecting the final locations in October.