New headquarters for Channel 4 in Leeds
In a massive boost for our city, it’s been announced that there will be a new national headquarters for Channel 4 in Leeds. As of yet, a site for the headquarters hasn’t been announced, but beating off strong opposition from Birmingham and Manchester can only be seen as great news for the city we love.
There isn’t much information available at the moment, but let’s share what we do know…
Why did Channel 4 choose Leeds?
You could be forgiven for thinking that Birmingham would be the most likely location for the new headquarters, being so central, but basing Channel 4 in Leeds actually makes a lot of sense. Alex Mahon, Channel 4’s chief executive, was impressed by the presentation and strategy LCC put forward, with a view to building on the area’s strong and independent production sector, as LCC and Channel 4 work together. She added,
‘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.’
This foresight is one reason Channel 4 is going from strength to strength and why we’re so excited about this development.
Where will the headquarters be located?
Initial reports suggested that the Corn Exchange could host the new headquarters, but that has to be ruled out because of the difficulty in relocating the dozens of independent boutiques already situated inside.
However, a couple of other suggestions, including the Grade I listed building, Temple Mills, and FCBS’s South Bank development have been floated, but with Channel 4 looking to make the move within the next year, both of those seem improbable.
What’s more likely is that Channel 4 will simply take on an existing office space within the city that won’t require a massive refit – a decision that would allow them to focus on the task of making fantastic content as soon as possible.
With further creative hubs being located in Bristol and Glasgow, it looks like Channel 4 has big plans to spread the love around the country, rather than running everything from the capital – something we applaud.
Like everyone else in the city, we’ll be keeping a very close eye on the news, and hope that the arrival of Channel 4 in Leeds will provide a boost to the local businesses and region in general.