Wales Office responds to S4C HQ relocation announcement
S4C authority announces plans to move channel headquarters to Carmarthen
S4C
The relocation of S4C to Carmarthen could provide a significant boost to local economies, the Welsh language and the creative industries sector in Wales, Wales Office Ministers have said today (14 March 2014).
The S4C Authority has today announced that it will press ahead with the bid led by University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and that the Welsh language broadcaster’s new headquarters would be based in Carmarthen. S4C will continue with a presence in Cardiff, and an office in Caernarfon.
Secretary of State for Wales, David Jones said:
As a Government we have repeatedly emphasised our commitment to a strong and independent Welsh language TV service. The contribution the channel has made to the Welsh creative industry sector, to the economy, and to promoting the Welsh language for over 30 years is truly significant.
While I welcome the fact that S4C will continue to have a presence in the capital, I have no doubt that re-locating its main office to Carmarthen will help provide a significant boost to the local economy in Carmarthenshire and secure a strong future for Welsh as a community language.
Wales Office Minister with portfolio responsibility for broadcasting, Stephen Crabb said:
Wales is home to an ever-expanding creative industries sector. With Carmarthenshire already home to some of Wales’ most successful creative businesses, S4C’s relocation could prove to be a catalyst to attracting other creative industries to the area, and develop an altogether stronger creative hub in west Wales.
NOTES TO EDITORS
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Caernarfon was the other area that had reached the final shortlist, and the possibility of keeping the headquarters in Cardiff was also considered.
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For further information regarding S4C’s announcement, contact Sioned Williams on 02920 741336