Channel 4 is looking for the perfect place to build its new out-of-London headquarters, where a state-of-the-art TV studio can be set up. Having sifted through submissions from over 30 potential locations, Channel 4 has now narrowed its search, unveiling a shortlist of the seven favourite options for the new HQ location.
Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and the West Midlands are the seven locations on Channel 4’s shortlist. Norwich, Colchester and Plymouth are among the places that were unsuccessful in their bids to attract Channel 4 into their region.
The final announcement, confirming where Channel 4’s new HQ will be, is expected to be made in October. Of course, we will let you know the result as soon as we hear it.
Additionally, Channel 4 is also looking at potential locations to set up regional creative hubs. They are looking to set up hubs at two new locations, both of which will act as bureaus for Channel 4 News. There are currently thirteen places battling it out for those two hub spots: Belfast, Brighton, Newcastle-Gateshead, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent are all in the running to host a creative hub, as are the seven cities from the HQ shortlist.
Between the new HQ and the two creative hubs, Channel 4 is expected to create 300 regional jobs with this project, which has the snappy title of 4 All The UK. Although Channel 4 is expected to keep its London base, as well, this is still the biggest change to Channel 4’s structure in the broadcaster’s 35-year history. It’s a big investment in regional economies, which can only be a good thing.