20 October 2014

S4C and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have signed a framework agreement which confirms formally that they will proceed with the plan to establish a new headquarters for the Channel in Carmarthen.

The Channel’s Authority decided back in March to receive the University's application to relocate the headquarters to Carmarthen subject to the legal agreement.

On Monday, 20 October at 6.00pm in the University's Learning and Teaching Building in Carmarthen, Huw Jones, Chairman of the S4C Authority, and Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, signed a framework agreement. The agreement creates the formal structures that will lead to the project work; it agrees the high-level schedule to ensure that the headquarters will be operational by 2018; and incorporates S4C’s original core conditions of creating linguistic, cultural and economic benefits to the area.

By signing this framework agreement, Huw Jones said: "Signing this Framework Agreement with the University in a very important milestone. It confirms that we will proceed with this ambitious plan following the statement of intent published a few months ago.

"Our intention at the outset of this process was to create a prosperous future for our service, while at the same time stimulating linguistic and cultural developments, as well as economic benefits to the region of our new headquarters.

"This agreement is based on those priorities, and the S4C Authority is looking forward with great anticipation to seeing the plans realised in the months and years ahead."

Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice Chancellor of the University added "Signing the framework agreement brings us one step closer to realising the vision of establishing S4C’s headquarters in Carmarthen. We look forward to working with the S4C Authority and our other partners to ensure a bright future for the Channel and the creative industries in Wales. The development will involve the construction of a purpose-built and iconic building to locate S4C which will also act as a catalyst for promoting creativity across the region and nationally. The vision is an ambitious one that offers the opportunity to create a unique and exciting entity that will impact positively on the economy, the community and the Welsh language across South West Wales. It also brings together a range of expertise to provide training to a new generation within the industry and to create micro-businesses and job opportunities in the region associated with the cultural and creative product that will characterise the development ".

County Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “University of Wales Trinity Saint David put forward a very strong case for S4C to make its new home in Carmarthen and we are delighted that they have now signed the Framework Agreement with S4C to make this a reality.

“The move will mean the creation of around 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.

“We are delighted at this major step on the road to bringing S4C to Carmarthen.”

Executive board member with responsibility for the Welsh language, Cllr Mair Stephens, added: “The news of the signing of the Framework Agreement to relocate S4C here to Carmarthen is fantastic.

“The County Council wishes to congratulate S4C and UWTSD on reaching this agreement.

We look forward to working in close co-operation with them in the coming years.”

The next step following the signing of the framework agreement is to establish a Project Board, with representatives from the University and S4C, which will be responsible for delivering the project.

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Further details:

Steve Thomas, Head of Press and Information, S4C: 02920 741451/07764 636393

Eleri Beynon, University of Wales Trinity Saint David: 01267 676790/0796824933535