Cardiff, 22 August 2024 – The Cymru Broadcast Centre, a state-of-the-art, fully accessible remote production facility, has officially opened near Cardiff Central, marking a significant milestone for Wales’ creative industry. Located at Tramshed Tech, the Centre is poised to enhance the region’s capacity for global remote productions, offering high-end resources that cater to large-scale broadcasting needs.
Designed with inclusivity at its core, the Centre was built in anticipation of Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, starting on 28 August. It is one of the most accessible remote production hubs in Europe, featuring advanced facilities such as production control rooms, sound control rooms, multiple edit suites, and a master control room. Industry leaders BMC and Ogi fibre have ensured robust connectivity, while Timeline TV has contributed to the design and will manage the facility post-Paralympics.
The Cymru Broadcast Centre is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of collaboration. Media Cymru and Channel 4, in partnership with The Ability People, have co-funded research and development around accessibility in live production, aiming to set a benchmark for other facilities.
The Centre’s accessibility features include wide walkways, power-assisted doors, and colour schemes designed to accommodate a diverse range of users. With over 1,300 hours of content set to be produced for the Paralympics, the Centre will be a hub of activity, employing more than 200 individuals during the event.
This facility is expected to leave a lasting legacy in Cardiff, driving increased production and providing new opportunities within the industry. Whisper Cymru, which has consistently invested in Welsh production since 2019, is already planning future international projects and entry-level training schemes at the Centre.
Stuart Frayne, Head of CBC Technical Operations, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be heading up the technical facilities at the first fully accessible remote production facility in Wales. I’m excited to inspire the next generation of technical broadcast talent and see the lasting impact this facility will have on the wider broadcast community in Wales.”
Sunil Patel, Co-Founder and CEO of Whisper, highlighted the Centre’s significance: “The Cymru Broadcast Centre is the crystallisation of an idea that will impact positive change within Wales and leave a lasting legacy. It’s a special moment for Whisper.”
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon praised the collaboration that led to the Centre’s creation, emphasising its alignment with Channel 4’s values of accessibility and inclusivity. Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, and Jack Sargeant, Welsh Government’s Minister for the Creative Industries, also lauded the project’s contribution to Cardiff’s growing reputation in the film and television industry.
The Cymru Broadcast Centre stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, set to strengthen Cardiff’s position as a leader in the global creative sector.