Decision details

Following Channel 4’s announcement to relocate their Headquarters to Leeds, to seek formal agreement of Executive Board to proposals to support the growth of the Film and TV sector and to implement proposals that support Channel 4’s announced move to Leeds.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the steps which were proposed to support the growth of the film and TV sector in the city. Whilst on the back of Channel 4’s recent decision to locate a new National Headquarters in Leeds, the report also presented proposals which sought to realise the potential of the sector in the city.

The Board welcomed the submitted report, highlighted the phenomenal response to Channel 4’s decision which continued to be received and emphasised the significant opportunities which were arising for the city, the city region and the north of England as a result of the successful bid.

In considering the report, the Chair, on behalf of the Board, paid tribute and extended her thanks to the significant efforts of all who had contributed towards the successful bid, with the Chair highlighting the leading role played by the Chief Executive throughout this process.

Emphasis was placed upon the strength of the collaborative partnership approach which had been taken throughout the process, how it could be used as a catalyst for the further growth of the creative sectors in the area, and how the positivity and momentum from this achievement could be utilised to contribute towards a range of projects, such as ‘Leeds 2023’.

Following the consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the decision of Channel 4 to locate its National Headquarters in Leeds be welcomed, and that the economic benefits which this will bring to the city and city region, be noted;

(b)  That the Board’s formal agreement be given to the Council, along with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, entering into arrangements with Channel 4, as per the proposals set out in exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(c)  That city wide engagement be undertaken with partners in the TV and Film sector in order to shape proposals that facilitate the growth of the sector and existing businesses in the city;

(d)  That agreement be given for the Council to take steps to facilitate the expansion of the TV, Film and production capacity in the city, as per the proposals contained within exempt appendix 2 of the submitted report;

(e)  That agreement be given for the Chief Executive to chair a partnership board with Channel 4, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other partners in order to oversee the initiatives and proposals, as set out in exempt appendix 1 to the submitted report;

(f)  That the Director of City Development be requested to prepare a more detailed report for consideration at a future Executive Board meeting which includes updates on the matters contained within the submitted report.

Briefings

Leader of the Council and Opposition Groups