Express & Star

West Midlands' Channel 4 bid officially lodged

A bid to bring Channel 4 to the West Midlands has been officially submitted by the region's combined authority.

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Andy Street

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has put forward the region's case to the broadcaster over why it should become home to Channel 4's planned new national headquarters.

Channel 4 is seeking to establish three new creative hubs outside London as part of its '4 All the UK' strategy.

The largest hub will become the national headquarters, consisting of offices, a new studio, a base for daily programmes and a new digital production unit.

Mr Street said he believes Channel 4 could thrive in the West Midlands. "I'm feeling very confident, but never complacent," he said.

"We are up against tough competition from other regions and cities, but we feel we can meet the criteria that Channel 4 has set out."

He added that the bid is based on two key themes – the region's 'connectedness' to the rest of the country, and the 'rich diversity' of its population.

The West Midlands bid is focused on potential sites in Coventry and Birmingham.

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "No doubt about it, Birmingham is the natural place for Channel 4 to thrive.

"We have the digital skills, creative talent and energy needed to make the move a huge success and, with one of the youngest and most diverse populations in Europe, we're the natural choice for Channel 4.

"Our region is thriving and Channel 4 has a huge opportunity to tap into that and be a key player in an exciting cultural renaissance for the West Midlands."

Channel 4 is expected to shortlist regions by the end of the month.

After further consultation, a final decision will be made later in the year with the move starting in early 2019.

A bid has also been submitted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, while Warwickshire District Council has previously shown an interest in bringing the broadcaster to Leamington Spa.