LEAMINGTON would be a perfect home for Channel 4 say council chiefs.
The broadcaster is looking to relocate its headquarters from London and also set up two hubs at different locations in the UK.
Local authorities have had the opportunity to bid to host the HQ or one of the hubs, and Warwick District Council has put in a formal bid for a hub in Leamington.
A council spokesman said: “Channel 4 and the creative economy of Leamington share a common DNA. As Channel 4 was launching in 1984, Leamington was spearheading the rise of the home computer industry.
“Our spirit of innovation and disruption continues in the current day with the Silicon Spa games cluster anchored in Leamington. It is this common DNA combined with all the benefits Leamington – along with the surrounding area – has to offer that makes Warwick District Council confident that we can offer Channel 4 everything they’ve asked for in the Call 4 All bid.
Council chiefs say now is also a perfect time for such a move.
“Leamington is primed for an exciting few years not least through the investment generated through the Creative Quarter regeneration project but also via the notable events it’ll be hosting, such as the Commonwealth Games 2022 bowls competition.
“With the masterplan for the Creative Quarter now in progress, we’re able to offer Channel 4 the rare opportunity to shape their new home as part of the wider scheme.”
And council chiefs say Leamington also has creativity at the heart of its bid.
“What makes Leamington’s bid unique is that this isn’t a bid backed by industry, it’s a bid led by industry. After all, the local creative industry generates a GVA of £418million and they work with leading brands on a global scale.
“Warwick District Council’s decision to invite them to lead the bid was easy and, it’s through this collaboration, that we’ve been able to create a proposal that speaks in the same disruptive, innovative, diverse and creative voice as Channel 4.”
