With studio space at a premium as streaming services work to deliver content for their platforms in film and TV, new studios were always a likelihood and it appears that plans to develop a 91-acre site in Broxbourne in Hertfordshire have government backing.
The owners of Sunset Studios in Los Angeles and an investment firm have bought a 91-acre site in Hertfordshire for £120m. Subject to planning permission, the production centre would be built in Broxbourne.
The government said it was “supporting” the development of such stage spaces across the UK. Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “This new studio is yet another vote of confidence in the UK’s booming film and TV industry.
“Through the British Film Commission, we’re supporting the development of stage spaces like this across the UK – boosting the local economy and backing our world-class creatives to make the next Bond blockbuster or bingeworthy box set.”
Los Angeles-based studio owner and operator Hudson Pacific has joined with investment company Blackstone and they hoped to transform Broxbourne into a hub for UK and international productions.
The companies anticipated it would “contribute £300m annually to the local economy” and could create up to 4,500 jobs.