Channel 4’s Leeds HQ will be ‘transformative’ and a further catalyst for cultural and economic prosperity

Business leaders have hailed the Channel 4 HQ announcement as a clear driver for further cultural and economic prosperity, giving the city the ability to attract and retain talent and boost inward investment.

They also recognised the fact that the successful Leeds bid was only made possible through the assets already available in the city and the wider region, including the talent.

Bill Jones, Deputy CEO at Leeds City College, said: “Channel 4 relocating to Leeds will be transformative for the cultural and creative scene in the city, whilst helping to broaden the skills agenda, bringing job opportunities and resulting wider economic and cultural prosperity. We have taken a great interest in and supported the bidding process and know the importance that this decision will have for young people from the city and wider region.

The college is investing £60m in its new campus at Quarry Hill, which will be the new home for its School of Creative Arts. He added: “This facility, which will open to students next summer, will help to create a strong talent pipeline for employers of the ilk of Channel Four, and foster the skills needed for them to succeed and prosper. The Quarry Hill site will house a range of high specification technology, including broadcasting facilities, a 200-seat theatre and recording studios, helping raise aspirations and realise ambitions.

“Playing a role in developing these skills for employers with the national prominence of Channel 4, will empower the broadcasting and creative talent of tomorrow. This news helps put Leeds on the map and allows the city to become more legitimately involved in the national conversation.”

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “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. For many years making award-winning, world-renowned television programmes, from ITV Yorkshire and BBC Yorkshire to a wealth of dynamic independent production companies.

“The city is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries and 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.”

Chris Hearld, Northern Chairman and Head of KPMG in Leeds, said:“Leeds has proven its outstanding credentials as a major hub for media and culture. This announcement will add further momentum to in-bound investment that is targeting the city region.

“No doubt it can also provide a catalyst for the ongoing efforts to boost skills across Yorkshire and the wider North of England, supporting the region’s ability to retain and attract the best talent in the UK.”

James Hall, partner at Leeds-based planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore, said:“This is a real coup for Leeds City Region that will deliver jobs and knock-on inward investment. As planners involved in the growth of Leeds, we know the city has the right assets – a skilled workforce, creative industry strength, excellent universities and affordable housing.

“Against a very strong field, Leeds has shown it’s a UK-leading city for creative industries. Leeds embodies the key parts of Channel 4’s mission statement as a city of diversity and freedom of expression that is represented with a strong and distinct voice.”

Paul Fairhurst, director in the office agency team at Savills Leeds, commented: “The new Channel 4 headquarters is a significant win for Leeds and is not only an endorsement of the quality of the city’s offering, but also the collaborative approach from city leaders. The knock on effect of such a significant relocation will be well received by an already buoyant office market.”

Meanwhile, Craig Burrow, director of Leeds at Bruntwood, said the city had all the attributes to grasp this “wonderful opportunity.” He added: “Yorkshire itself is a world-class leader in culture and Leeds is a dynamic and vibrant city at its heart.  The city of Leeds is currently undergoing a bold cultural revival and is at the forefront of the digital technology revolution, so news that Channel 4’s HQ is coming here will help to boost the success, talent and reputation of the city and the region.”

Adam Cockroft, Partner in Cushman & Wakefield’s Leeds office, commented: “This is fantastic news for Leeds and brings yet another major occupier to our thriving TMT sector. The creation of new jobs, in an effective nearshoring move, will add to the dynamism and economy of the Leeds City region.”

Matthew Howarth, partner and Leeds office head at law firm Shoosmiths said: “Today’s news is a brilliant vote of confidence in Leeds and a fantastic endorsement of the talent pool and connectivity the city offers. TV production has a proud history here over many years – from Countdown to Emmerdale –  but this news represents a coming of age for our creative industries sector.”