Channel 4 HQ goes to another city. York seems pretty pumped

York leaders celebrated today as it was announced that Channel 4 was relocating to a different city entirely.

Channel 4’s boss Alex Mahon confirmed today (Wednesday) that Leeds will be the location of its new national HQ and Bristol and Glasgow will be the locations of its two new creative hubs.

Originally City of York Council planned to bid for the HQ to come here.

Then it decided go in as part of the Leeds City Region bid. This conglomeration includes York, Harrogate and Selby councils as well as various West Yorkshire authorities.

But no one would say what role York was touted for if the C4 bid was successful.

Welcome To Yorkshire chief exec Gary Verity made it very clear which city had won, saying: “It’s fantastic news that Leeds will be the new home for Channel 4’s national headquarters.

“A contemporary, vibrant and creative city with considerable talent, Leeds has a long and hugely successful TV production history…

“This is an amazing opportunity for Leeds to welcome this much-loved international brand and to surge forward, continuing to showcase the city’s innovative production power on a global media stage.”

‘Make York more attractive’

These were the responses in York on hearing that Leeds had won the HQ contest:

• We are delighted that our region has been chosen to be the new home of Channel 4’s national headquarters. York’s digital infrastructure, talent and innovation was recognised in the bid and played a key part in securing this exciting opportunity. Having a national broadcaster here will help make York an even more attractive location for national and international investment.

  – York council leader Ian Gillies

• This is fantastic news for our region and for York’s thriving creative and digital sectors. The possibilities this will bring to York and the surrounding region, including the job opportunities, and prospect to work alongside our outstanding college and world-leading universities are surely endless.

  – Council chief exec Mary Weastell

• It presents even more opportunity for the city’s creative and digital businesses, many of whom already do excellent work in TV and film. The proximity of Channel 4 can only help boost these sectors.

  – Make It York MD Steve Brown