NewcastleGateshead loses out on bid to bring Channel 4 to the region

Today (May 30), it was announced that Newcastle and Gateshead have missed out on being shortlisted to make the North East the home of Channel 4’s new headquarters.

Channel 4 announced the cities which have been shortlisted. The winner is to be announced in October 2018.

The broadcaster has instead shortlisted: Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and the West Midlands.

Each area has also been secured with having been shortlisted to become a small creative hub for Channel 4 - even if it fails to become the winner of the new headquarters.

NewcastleGateshead was one of the viable locations identified by planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore in its research into the 12 cities contesting the bid.

The latest research from Barton Willmore assessed the cities based on several criteria including workforce suitability, housing affordability, creative industry provision and university links.

Stuart Natkus, planning director at Barton Willmore, said: “We’re disappointed to see NewcastleGateshead has not made the shortlist of bidding locations, but hopeful that a creative hub could come here.

“This would have been a significant opportunity for the whole North East to benefit from.

“Regardless of the decision NewcastleGateshead, and the wider region, still boasts an exciting mix of world class universities, affordable housing and industry-leading creative companies.”

The broadcaster will announce its winner on October 1.

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