Channel 4 reveals criteria and timetable for national HQ bids
Channel 4 has revealed the timetable for the broadcaster to decide where it will place its “national HQ” and two smaller hubs.
It will announce its choice on October 1 and has now published its pitchbook to allow cities to bid.
Channel 4 had been under pressure from Government to move out of London and it agreed to relocate 300 jobs. Its current headquarters, in Horseferry Road, will become known as its London HQ.
The broadcaster has said the national headquarters will be placed somewhere with a working population of more than 200,000 people, have a high level of physical and digital connectivity, and a travel time to London that is below three hours.
It has also highlighted five key considerations – demography and diversity, availability of talent, local connectivity, travel links to London and its creative hubs, and the suitability of available office space – that the successful bidder will perform strongly on.
In February West Midlands’ mayor Andy Street confidently expressed the view that the region would “get the nod” ahead of its UK rivals, including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham, raising expectations that it was a done deal.
Cities have until May 11 to submit their bids, with a shortlist revealed on May 30. Further presentations and discussions will take place throughout the summer, with the final decision to be announced on October 1.
