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S4C plans to move HQ from Cardiff to Carmarthen | S4C plans to move HQ from Cardiff to Carmarthen |
(35 minutes later) | |
S4C has announced plans to move its Cardiff headquarters to Carmarthen. | |
The Welsh language broadcaster had also considered moving to Caernarfon in Gwynedd or staying in Cardiff. | |
It has had its base in the Welsh capital since the channel's launch more than 30 years ago. | |
Chief Executive Ian Jones said the decision was "a major step forward" for S4C's plans to boost the economy and Welsh language in another part of Wales. | Chief Executive Ian Jones said the decision was "a major step forward" for S4C's plans to boost the economy and Welsh language in another part of Wales. |
S4C worked with two groups, one led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen and another led by Gwynedd council, before making its decision. | S4C worked with two groups, one led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen and another led by Gwynedd council, before making its decision. |
'Exciting and ambitious plans' | |
The decision by the S4C Authority means that under the plans the channel would co-locate with the BBC in a new broadcast centre in Cardiff for its transmission activities. It would also maintain its presence in Caernarfon. | |
Huw Jones, chair of the S4C Authority, said he was very hopeful that the "exciting and ambitious plans can be realised". | |
But he stressed that several contractual and financial steps would need to be taken for the plans to go ahead. | |
If the plans are realised, it will mean a new headquarters for S4C on the outskirts of Carmarthen and about 50 posts moving there. The target is to be operational on the site in 2018. | |
Mr Jones said: "We agree that it is feasible and practical to move S4C's headquarters to Carmarthen, and in line with our conditions, the plans which have been presented to us are cost-neutral over a period. | |
"We're confident that these plans would be beneficial to the service we offer, and offer economic and linguistic benefits to Carmarthen." | |
A spokesperson for BBC Cymru Wales said: "We welcome the S4C Authority's decision today to approve in principle the co-location of a number of broadcast activities with the BBC at a new, purpose-built broadcast centre in Cardiff by 2018. | |
"The authority's decision follows a period of close collaboration between both broadcasters. | |
"The BBC's Executive Board and Trust is expected to consider final proposals for the new broadcast centre in the coming weeks." | |
Carmarthenshire council leader councillor Kevin Madge said the S4C move was great news for Carmarthen, and the area. | |
The bid was based on the broadcaster's new HQ being a purpose-built complex opposite the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus in the town. | |
Mr Madge said: "The move will mean the creation of about 150 jobs and is a real boost to the local economy. | |
"It is also a major boost for the Welsh language, providing good quality job opportunities for Welsh speakers." |