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Swansea has entered the race to land a new national HQ for Channel 4.

It comes after last week Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas wrote to the television channel's chief executive Alex Mahon making the case for Cardiff.

The public service broadcaster, which generates revenues from advertising, has confirmed it is establishing a new national HQ outside of London, which would also house one of three new regional creative hubs.

Programme commissioning editors overseeing significant budget and with responsibility for some of Channel 4’s biggest shows, will be based across the three new creative hubs – alongside a variety of other creative and business functions.

The largest of the creative hubs will be known as Channel 4’s National HQ – and will regularly host executive and board meetings for the broadcaster – alongside Horseferry Road which serves as Channel 4’s London HQ.

The channel said the three hubs and HQ would be home to around 300 staff.

However, the channel, which current employs around 800, said it couldn't yet give a breakdown on jobs in each of the new operations.

However, it is anticipated that the majority would be located at the new HQ and largest creative hub.

Swansea council, through its leader Rob Stewart, has now confirmed it will also be bidding to secure the investment in collaboration with University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Mr Stewart said: “Channel 4 moving out of London to create new centres is a great opportunity for Swansea and Wales.

“As Wales’ capital of culture we would love the opportunity to work with Channel 4 and provide a modern and welcoming base to support them in producing more content in the regions.

“We already have the infrastructure in place with our expanding creative industries, the successful Bay Studios and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s growing reputation for excellence in digital and creative media.

“Swansea will also be a test-bed for 5G technology which will transform wi-fi coverage and make us a leading digital innovation hub and that is a massive boost for businesses looking to invest here.”

Mr Stewart said attracting Channel 4 would further strengthen Wales as a centre for media and broadcasting.

He said: “Wales is home to major broadcasters with the BBC and ITV based in Cardiff and S4C moving its headquarters to Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, the centre of a creative and digital cluster based at UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus.

“So attracting Channel 4 to Wales’ second city would be an ideal addition to the bases in Cardiff and Carmarthen.”

But both Cardiff and Swansea will be be up against stiff competition from other UK cities such as Leeds, Bristol and Birmingham.

And many have Birmingham as the frontrunner.

And if it fails to win the HQ and main creative hub bid, they will also seeking to secure one of two smaller creative hubs that the channel is also committed to establishing.

Channel 4 is expected to confirm the location of its new HQ and hubs in September.

Relocation of staff will start 2019.