BBC Cymru Wales HQ at Central Square to become global centre of excellence

The leader of Cardiff Council welcomed the news today that the BBC is to expand its operations outside London, with historic changes planned for how the organisation will deliver Public Sector Broadcasting in the future.

Cllr Huw Thomas said: “This is really good news for Cardiff. It will see exciting, new job opportunities created, not only at the BBC, but across the city. Jobs which will benefit the production sector and the creative industries which are already flourishing in Cardiff.

“The BBC’s decision is a vindication of this council’s creative industries strategy and of our decision to regenerate Central Square and to install BBC Wales as the anchor tenant for the development. It shows that the strategy is paying off. It is clear that Cardiff’s creative sector is building an excellent and well-earned reputation.”

Cllr Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development said: “This is a defining moment for both the broadcasting industry and the creative sector in Wales. The recent announcement is a massive boost for the city, underpinning the reasons why the new BBC Cymru Wales HQ has been built in Central Square. This will bring new jobs and opportunities for the city.

“We see this as very much the beginning of a new era for both the broadcasting and production industries, both in Cardiff and in the rest of Wales, supporting inclusive growth whilst driving innovation in the fastest-growing area in our local economy.

“The council also welcomes the recent presentation by Tim Davie, the new Director General of the BBC, to the Senedd’s Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee, where it was made very clear that Cardiff will play a key role in the BBC’s future output.”

Welcoming the plans, Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of Nations and BBC Wales said: “This plan is all about bringing the whole BBC even closer to audiences – here in Wales and across the UK.

“It’s a top to bottom transformation – and a commitment by every part of the BBC to root our services and our storytelling in the lives of our audiences.

“Our commitment to spend £700m more outside London will spark new opportunities to create jobs and develop skills across Wales’ production sector.

“I am particularly delighted that Wales will become a global centre of excellence for climate and science journalism. No story matters more – and I’m delighted that Wales will have the opportunity to lead the way.”

The announcement today saw the BBC reveal a six-year plan to recreate the organisation with a much stronger presence across all four nations, including:

• Wales will become the BBC’s centre of excellence for Climate and Science journalism
• For the first time in the BBC’s history, the majority of BBC network TV production will be produced outside London – at least 60% by 2027
• By 2027/28 the BBC will be spending at the very least, an extra £700m cumulatively across the UK – generating an additional economic benefit of over £850 million. 
• Twenty network drama and comedy series to be set in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland over the next three years.
• Newsnight on BBC Two will be presented from Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester throughout the year
• Over the next six years, The BBC will harness greater online personalisation to ensure Welsh language content is more prominent and easier to access.