Wrexham and Chester MPs join forces to promote bid for Channel 4 headquarters

The MPs for Wrexham and Chester have written to Channel 4 urging them to back the region’s cross-border bid to become home to the broadcaster’s new national headquarters.

Ian Lucas and Chris Matheson have penned a joint letter which underlines exactly why they feel the area should be chosen ahead of other bidders from across the UK.

Earlier this month Wrexham.com reported that Wrexham and Chester had joined forces and submitted a joint bid to become the new location for Channel 4’s new national headquarters.

The UK national broadcaster is moving 300 of its 800 staff from London to three new bases at different locations around the UK as part of its 4 All The UK plan.

The Chester-North Wales bid, submitted earlier this month, is named ‘Crossing Borders’ and it highlights the ‘unique’ cultural life and identity on the England-Wales border.

In a joint letter sent to Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, Wrexham MP Mr Lucas and City of Chester MP Mr Matheson write: “This bid is borne of a close working relationship which has developed in recent years between the people, councils, universities and colleges and business across Cheshire and North Wales.

“We are close to, but distinct from, Liverpool and Manchester and benefit from access to the qualities those cities possess whilst offering an identity different from theirs.

“For too long, the assumption has been made that development of the regions means investment in major cities. We believe that the time is right for Channel 4 to surprise once more and, in a digital UK, highlight the benefits of moving to a truly different place.”

The letter goes on to mention the qualities of Chester-set Channel 4 TV shows Hollyoaks and The Secret Life of the Zoo, as well as the hugely successful Storyhouse project in Chester, the FocusWales music festival in Wrexham, and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

The bid is a joint collaboration between Wrexham Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council, and both Mr Lucas and Mr Matheson.

Mr Lucas said: “Most people in the UK do not live in big cities. Our bid represents them. We hope the letter sent to Channel 4 adds further weight to what both Chris and I feel is a very strong bid.

“To have Channel 4 based in this region would open up wonderful opportunities on both sides of the border, and it would be of great benefit to Wrexham as it would bring jobs and boost business.”

Mr Matheson added: “Channel 4 is well-known for not doing the obvious thing. Our bid is not the obvious thing. Instead our bid is about a northern centre with great transport links and superb schools for Channel 4 staff and their families. It is about a place of ancient heritage and modern cultural experiences.

“We are a growing and exciting city, which is supported by a wider region of towns that span across a border between two countries. This is an epic story and the stuff of great television!

“I implore Channel 4 to not do the obvious thing and to cross borders with us in Chester and North Wales.”

Channel 4 will retain its London offices in Westminster but is opening three new ‘creative hubs’ in the regions, the largest of which will become a new national HQ. A shortlist of contenders will be announced on Wednesday, May 30, with the winning bid unveiled on Monday, October 1.