The location for the Channel 4’s creative hub in Bristol has been revealed - and it will be in the heart of the city centre.
The TV station is to be based at the Finzels Reach complex, in the former Fermentation Buildings of the old Courage Brewery.
Finzels Reach is the industrial development site being brought back to use by developers Cubex on the side of the Floating Harbour opposite Castle Park.
Channel 4 said it is in advanced negotiations with Cubex about leasing 3,200sq ft of space on the second floor of the Fermentation Buidings at Finzels Reach.
Channel 4 unveils its plans for Bristol 'creative hub'
The new Creative Hub will be one of two in Britain as Channel 4 moves out of London. The channel will be based in Leeds, with Bristol and Glasgow beating off competition from a dozen other cities to attract TV bosses.
A couple of weeks ago, Channel 4 unveils its plans for Bristol 'creative hub' it would be basing its drama commissioning departments in Bristol, with Glasgow hosting the factual side of the channel’s output.
And those creatives will be based at Finzels Reach, with the offices opening up in the autumn.
“We looked at a number of different sites in Bristol, but the Fermentation Buildings stood out for us as offering both a great location at the heart of the city in reach of transport links, and an historic industrial building with superb facilities on hand for our staff,” said Jonathan Allan, Channel 4’s Chief Commercial Officer.
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“We’re on track and incredibly excited to be opening our Creative Hub in the city this autumn,” he added.
Cubex director Peter Walford said that take-up of the offices in the old Courage Brewery would mean that by the end of the year there could be 2,500 people either living or working in the complex by the end of the year.
Channel 4 are expected to either bring or create around 50-60 jobs in Bristol, and Finzels Reach looks set to become a new creative quarter for the city centre, with other media companies moving in too.
“We are thrilled that Channel 4 has chosen Finzels Reach as the new home of its Creative Hub,” said Mr Walford.
“This move is hugely significant for the city, far beyond the size of the hub itself, and testament to its thriving television and production industry.
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“This comes after other creative companies including BDH and OUTLAW announced their move to Finzels Reach, paving the way for the creation of a creative and media business hub within the quarter.
“We have paid careful attention to nurturing a thriving community within this once forgotten part of the city, and it’s fantastic to see the area now coming into its own,” he added.
