Northern Ireland

Belfast misses out in Channel 4 'creative hub' bid

Channel 4 headquarters in London
Channel 4 headquarters in London Channel 4 headquarters in London

BELFAST has missed out on a chance to become a new 'creative hub' for Channel 4.

The city was among six locations shortlisted in May to be considered as one of two creative hubs for the broadcaster.

Channel 4 plans to move 300 of its 800 staff out of London to a national headquarters and two creative hubs in the biggest restructure in its 35-year history.

The pitch process was launched in April with more than 30 submissions entered, which have now been whittled down to six potential locations.

Birmingham, Greater Manchester and Leeds remain in the running to become a new national headquarters. They are also being considered for new creative hubs, alongside Bristol, Cardiff and Glasgow.

Channel 4 will enter into detailed discussions with the six selected cities and a final decision will be announced in the autumn.

The move is part of a strategy to increase spending on its nations and regions content from its current quota of 35 per cent to a new voluntary target of 50 per cent by 2023.

Belfast was among 13 shortlisted locations visited by Channel 4 bosses as part of the competition.