The West Midlands has made the shortlist to become Channel 4’s new national headquarters.
The broadcaster has today (May 30) announced the region has been selected and made it past the ‘first hurdle’.
This success follows the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) making a formal bid to bring Channel 4 (C4) to the region earlier in May.
The bid focused on potential sites in Birmingham and Coventry, highlighting the many strengths of the West Midlands under the strapline of ‘Get Closer’.
These include its connectivity, its diversity, its culture and the exciting few years of events the region will stage.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This was the first hurdle we needed to overcome in order to secure the new national HQ for Channel 4 and now we can focus on enhancing our bid further.
“Both Birmingham and Coventry offer powerful arguments to Channel 4 in terms of location, talent and the youth and diversity of the population and I am pleased this has been recognised.
“Now the hard work really starts as we begin negotiations in earnest to develop the most compelling case possible to the broadcaster.”
The WMCA bid had received wide ranging support from stakeholders, major media players, creative organisations and local businesses, as the West Midlands united to demonstrate the wealth of innovation, talent and ambition that exists across the region.
Councillor George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We are delighted that our bid has been shortlisted and we are a step nearer to welcoming Channel 4 to Coventry.
“It is great to see that Channel 4 recognises the combination of factors that make Coventry and the West Midlands the perfect place for businesses looking to relocate and build for the future.
“Our city offers unrivalled transport links, a young, diverse population and a reputation for design and innovation – and we are, of course, UK City of Culture 2021, which will put Coventry well and truly in the national spotlight and build a legacy for years to come.
“We will now work with partners and other organisations around the city and region to strengthen our bid and put forward as strong a case as possible, so we can be named the broadcaster’s new HQ when the decision is made later this year.”
There will be now a period of further consultation, which will see the WMCA work in partnership with Channel 4 to highlight the benefits of moving to the West Midlands.
The final announcement is expected at the end of this year, with the broadcaster moving to the new HQ in 2019.
C4 is seeking to establish three new creative hubs outside London, as part of its ‘4 All the UK’ strategy.
The largest of these hubs will become the national headquarters, consisting of offices, a new studio, a base for daily programmes and a new digital production unit.
The WMCA is confident that C4 will recognise that the West Midlands is the ideal choice as it looks to improve its representation across the nation.
Tim Pile, chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), commented: “It is hugely exciting news that Channel 4 has shortlisted the West Midlands for its national headquarters.
“This is a clear sign of confidence in the region, its businesses and people by a major broadcaster and employer.
“Organisations across the West Midlands are harnessing the power of working together to maximise the region’s potential.
“GBSLEP has supported the region’s Channel 4 bid for some time – and we will continue to collaborate with our partners throughout this process, to ensure that the West Midlands has the best possible chance of becoming Channel 4’s new home.”
