A £1.5 million investment has been made in a Cardiff broadcast production agency.

The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has given the funds to Whisper, allowing the purchase of specialist remote broadcasting equipment.

This will enable the delivery of large-scale live programming from the new Cymru Broadcast Centre in Cardiff.

The first project was the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

However, the ambition of this project extends beyond the Paralympics, with other international productions already planned.

The investment will also provide skills, training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, bringing benefits to the wider community and creating a lasting legacy.

The new studio equipment has allowed Whisper to create one of the most accessible production facilities in Europe.

The centre features a changing spaces toilet, wide walkways, ramps, power-assisted doors and accessible signage.

The colour schemes and signage have also been carefully considered to ensure the centre can be used by as many people as possible.

Research and development around accessibility in live production has been co-funded by Media Cymru and Channel 4, in conjunction with The Ability People, with the aim of acting as a case study for other technical facilities to use as best practice.

The creative industries, identified by CCR as a key priority sector, will benefit from this investment, with Creative Bootcamps for up to 100 people over five years, covering digital and broadcast skills.

Wales Office Minister, Nia Griffith, said: "It’s wonderful to see the Cymru Broadcast Centre open and Whisper Cymru delivering live coverage of the Paralympics for Channel 4.

"The UK Government recognises the value of the creative industries for Wales and that is why we are proud to invest in the Cardiff Capital Region and see that funding used to support the sector."

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council and chairperson of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, added: "The Cymru Broadcast Centre shows the tremendous rewards of CCR working together with our partners at Welsh Government and Whisper Cymru.

"I’m very excited about the growing creative industries sector in the Cardiff Capital Region and look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish."