NEWS

Bristol is celebrating this week following confirmation that the city will become home to one of Channel 4’s new Creative Hubs.

Channel 4 announced its relocation plans on 31 October, confirming Leeds as the base for its new HQ, and Bristol and Glasgow as locations for its two new creative hubs.

Led by Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol’s bid was supported by The Bottle Yard Studios in partnership with a creative community of media organisations, production companies and industry figures in the city.

Announcing the decision, Channel 4 said: “In Bristol there is the opportunity to build on a thriving television production sector in the City, which has world-renowned factual producers and also has strengths in areas such as animation and digital production.

“Locating in Bristol will also enable Channel 4 to work closely in partnership with Cardiff and its production sector – with the opportunity to further accelerate the growth of the creative cluster around South West England and South Wales – and also connect with indies across the West of England, Birmingham and the Midlands.

“Bristol put forward exciting proposals to establish new social mobility initiatives to work with diverse communities across the city and bring through new talent into the industry.”

Welcoming the news, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Today’s announcement that Bristol will become home to one of Channel 4’s two new creative hubs is fantastic news. Bristol is a city that pushes boundaries, questions the norm and actively nurtures a strong culture of creative and digital innovation – we know Channel 4 will feel at home here. This move will help to build on our existing thriving media industry and wealth of local talent. We look forward to welcoming Channel 4 to the city.”

Site Director Fiona Francombe said: “This is fantastic news for Bristol. It’s really exciting to see that C4 shared our collective vision to build on our creative talent base, improve skills development and widen access into the industry for people from all backgrounds. Bristol is a place where people celebrate a strong sense of independence whilst also working together to produce genuinely exciting collaborations. Having C4 here will endorse and enhance our media community.”

Congratulations Bristol!

Watch: ITV News West Country’s report on Bristol’s success (first broadcast 31 October 2018).