Channel 4 chooses Leeds as new national headquarters

The broadcaster has announced it is moving to Leeds
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Sophie Williams31 October 2018

Channel 4 has confirmed it is moving its national headquarters to Leeds.

The broadcaster will also have creative hubs in Bristol and Glasgow as part of the biggest change to the structure of the channel in its 35-year history.

Channel 4 will keep another headquarters in London but will move around 200 of its 800 staff to Leeds.

The move will take place during the second half of 2019, according to Insider Media.

Leeds fended off competition from Greater Manchester and Birmingham to host the new base, while Cardiff was also in contention to host a creative hub.

Potential candidates for its national headquarters were required to be less than three hours from London and have a population of more than 200,000 people, the Guardian reported.

The broadcaster is planning to increase its spending on programmes outside of London by £250 million over the next five years.

Alex Mahon, Channel 4 chief executive, said: “Leeds put forward a compelling and ambitious strategy for how they could work alongside Channel 4 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 strong and fast-growing independent production sector in cities across the north of England – and also has the potential to unlock growth in the North East and East of the country, an area without a major presence from other national broadcasters.”

Judith Blake, the leader of Leeds County Council said: "So delighted and thrilled that Channel 4 have chosen Leeds for their new HQ. We are really looking to welcoming you to our great city and to Leeds City Region."

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