Cardiff’s bid for C4 HQ backed by CCR Cabinet

THE Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Cabinet has given its backing to the Cardiff bid to house a new headquarters for Channel 4.

Channel 4 plans to expand its presence in the nations and regions by establishing a new national HQ and two creative hubs outside of London. A number of cities across the UK have made their bids, including Cardiff.

In Wales, Swansea also entered the race to land a new national HQ, while Port Talbot is making a bid for a regional hub.

The CCR Cabinet has sent a letter of support for the Cardiff bid to Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4.

The Cabinet is in full support of the bid co-ordinated by Cardiff Council, citing the economic potential it has for the whole south-east Wales Region.

Writing on behalf of the 10 council leaders that make up the CCR Cabinet, Councillor Andrew Morgan wrote: “A top priority for our region is to attract and help grow excellent-quality employment opportunities for our workforce, and so are very keen to support Cardiff Council’s proposal (one of our key regional partners) in every way we can, to encourage your consideration of all Cardiff and this region has to offer.

“All 10 councils of south-east Wales work closely together across all aspects that lead to economic growth, and in this instance, we totally endorse all that Cardiff has to offer you, as well as from the wider region.”

Cllr Morgan, who is chairman of the CCR Region Cabinet and leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “We at the Cardiff Capital Region are delighted that Channel 4 has expressed interest in considering a relocated base outside of London, and that Cardiff Council has launched a bid for the new location to be in the south-east Wales region.

“One of the main aims for the Cardiff Capital Region is to attract new opportunities to the region, to help boost economic prosperity and help grow employment prospects, so we are all fully supportive of Cardiff Council’s pitch to become the new home of Channel 4’s HQ.

“Cardiff is fast becoming known for being creative, multicultural and open to new ideas, which is why it is a great location for one of broadcasting’s more alternative voices. The city has a proven track record in investing in the future and is home to one of the largest creative sectors outside London. The creative and technological potential is enormous, and we are confident that Channel 4 will see that too.”

Cardiff will learn if its pitch has progressed to the next stage of the process at the end of this month. The final decision will be made in October.