Channel 4’s presence could create an economic impact of more than £1bn over the next decade

Channel 4’s national HQ announcement will see hundreds of jobs created in the city and is expected to create an economic impact of more than £1bn over the next decade.

While its location is still to be revealed, it is expected that the broadcaster will have a presence in the city from next year. Initial forecasts suggest Channel 4’s decision could directly contribute to the creation of more than 1,200 jobs and an economic impact of more than £1bn over the next decade across the Leeds City Region although the true impact, taking into account all the added value being home to a major international broadcaster will bring, will be much larger.

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, with cross-party support from local authority partners, Screen Yorkshire, the creative and digital industries, the education sector and many others, has been in conversation with Channel 4 for two years. It has been a long process and one that has seen many other UK cities cut from the shortlist since Channels 4’s search was first launched in March. In July, Sheffield was cut from the list of potential cities to be the home of a Creative Hub.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are thrilled that Channel 4 have chosen Leeds to be home to its national headquarters and we know this is a great fit for both the city and the broadcaster. Leeds offers a home in the heart of the UK and the North, with strong links to screen, and a constantly evolving creative sector with huge ambitions to be even greater in the next few years and beyond.

“Together with Bradford we have one of the youngest and fastest growing labour markets in the UK, and the news of Channel 4 choosing Leeds will have a very positive impact on these generations, and is a real triumph for the city and wider region.

“With no other major broadcaster in the North East this news is very welcome, and will allow us to shine a light and really cement the world class work in film and TV that is taking place in Yorkshire and the wider north. We look forward to welcoming Channel 4 into the city when they arrive in 2019.”

Business leaders have also hailed the announcement as a huge boost for Yorkshire.

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am thrilled that Channel 4 is coming to the Leeds City Region, a decision that will bring huge opportunities for them and us. We are already discussing with Channel 4 how our shared ambitions can be delivered as quickly as possible.

“Channel 4’s decision can truly ‘Be the Spark’ for a once-in-a-generation chance to rapidly grow our digital and creative sector, unlock opportunities for our talented young people and draw international attention to our region.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said Bradford’s diversity and creativity was one of the critical factors behind Channel 4’s decision. “We will be working together as a region to ensure our people and businesses are properly equipped for the exciting future that lies ahead,” she added

Mary Weastell, Chief Executive of City of York Council, said:“This is fantastic news for our region and for York’s creative and digital sectors. I welcome today’s announcement and would like to thank partners for helping to secure this achievement. The possibilities this will bring to our region and York, including the job opportunities, and prospect to work alongside our outstanding college and world-leading universities are surely endless.”

Leeds-based Screenwriter, Kay Mellor, added: “It’s absolutely the right decision, every indie got behind the campaign and we’ve got the right result. Leeds is the perfect fit in terms of location and talent and we’ll all be there with open arms to welcome them to our wonderful city. It’s a game changer for Leeds, putting us firmly on the media map. I am so proud.”

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “The Government made clear that Channel 4 needed to do more to increase its presence in the regions to help better reflect and provide for UK audiences outside of London. Congratulations to Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow, and I look forward to Channel 4 taking further steps to increase its impact around the UK in the years ahead.”