NWDA supports relocation of the BBC to the Northwest

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has outlined its support for the proposed relocation of the BBC to the Manchester city region.
In an open letter to Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport ahead of a crucial BBC Governors’ meeting on October 20, NWDA Chairman Bryan Gray confirmed the full backing of the Agency for the move and stressed swift progress must be made in developing and implementing the project. The Agency and its public sector partners have committed, in principle, to support the move with an investment of around £50 million for elements including infrastructure, public realm and skills development.
In the letter, Bryan Gray said: “The media sector in Manchester and the Northwest has the potential to be world class. As well as being home to ITV Granada, there is a huge range of key independent media operators, excellent production facilities and creative talent that the BBC will benefit from. I firmly believe that the vitality and innovation of the Northwest’s media and creative industries will be enormously boosted by the presence of the BBC and its important role in commissioning programmes and services.”
The development of a strengthened BBC presence is also critical for the economy of the Northwest and brings with it a potential 4,400 jobs and £1.5 billion GVA for the regional economy over 10 years.
“The development of a strengthened BBC presence in the Northwest would have a huge impact on our economy and employment opportunities. It is crucial that we make swift progress in securing the most imaginative, deliverable, cost effective and beneficial proposal with a definitive timetable for implementation,” Mr Gray continued.
(GB)