Channel 4 reject Wrexham & Chester – area still ‘brilliant location for creative businesses’

Wrexham and Chester will not be the location for Channel 4’s national HQ, or creative ‘hub’.

The indepth bid pitched Wrexham & Chester together as a location for around 100 jobs being decanted from Channel 4’s central London base, in either a new HQ or even a ‘creative hub’.

The apparently embargoed news on the shortlisting decision broke shortly before 1pm:

Can’t see Wrexham/Chester 👀 https://t.co/MobgPE6TJb

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 30, 2018

Wrexham’s MP Ian Lucas told us: “We had something unique to offer so I am, of course, disappointed our bid was not shortlisted. However, I believe the process of putting the bid together was a really positive thing for the region.

“It opened up connections on both sides of the border and meant we could showcase the best of Wrexham and Chester to a major broadcaster. We want to work together like this more in future.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, reacted to the news saying: “We really put our heart and soul into this bid, so we’re disappointed we didn’t make the shortlist.

“The competition was incredibly fierce, but we felt we had something really unique to offer Channel 4, thanks to our partnership with Chester.

“We’re disappointed, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is still a brilliant location for creative businesses, and we’re really proud of our track record in attracting and supporting innovative companies.

“We will always be ambitious in trying to move Wrexham forward, and I’d like to thank the staff who’ve been involved with the bid.

“I’d also like to thank Channel 4 for giving towns and cities across the UK the chance to bid for this investment, and wish them well for the future.”

This afternoon the social media rumour mill appears to point to Manchester being an eventual ‘done deal’, with the proof in the pudding as and when the final decision is revealed.