BRIGHTON and Hove has been shortlisted to become one of Channel 4's two new 'creative hubs'.

It faces competition from Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, the West Midlands, Belfast, Brighton, Newcastle-Gateshead, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent.

It comes as the broadcaster looks to move 300 staff out of London to three new bases next year in the biggest change to its structure in its 35-year history.

It invited applications from across the UK and Brighton and Hove City Council made a bid.

Channel 4 will now visit each shortlisted city for a presentation.

The final locations will be selected in October 2018.

Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Councillor Daniel Yates, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted by Channel 4 as a potential home for one of two new Creative Hubs. 

“We worked with our creative partners locally, and made a strong submission which focussed on our strengths as a centre for creativity and digital innovation as well as our distinctive character, which we believe aligns well with Channel 4's brand.  

“Brighton & Hove is distinctly different and as we proceed to the next stage of the pitch process, we will work with our partners to demonstrate all our city has to offer.”

Jonathan Allan, Channel 4's chief commercial officer, who is leading the pitch process, said: "We've been incredibly impressed both by the number of pitches we received and by the high quality of the submissions."

Culture Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The number of bids submitted shows just how much interest there is in the new home for Channel 4's national headquarters.

"The quality of bids shows how much capability and talent there is for Channel 4 to tap into around the country. I congratulate those cities shortlisted.

"We want the whole country to benefit from our amazing creative industries, and a new national HQ and two creative hubs outside of London is an important part of ensuring our broadcasters continue to thrive in the future."

A previous version of this story stated that Brighton had failed in a bid to host Channel 4's new headquarters. The council has asked us to clarify that it did not in fact bid for the HQ. We are happy to correct this error.