Plans for £700m Hertfordshire film and TV studios revealed

Hollywood in Hertfordshire: Sunset Studios unveils plans for £700m ‘world class’ film and TV production site in Broxbourne – their first outside Tinseltown which could create 4,500 jobs

  • Sunset Studios have revealed plans for a new £700m site in Broxbourne, Herts
  • The plans have been revealed by Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties 
  • New site is 20 miles down the road from the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden
  • It is also understood the studio will be larger than Pinewood in Buckinghamshire
  • The development will be the first Sunset Studios operation outside of the US

A ‘world class’ £700million film and TV production site to rival the likes of Warner Bros and Pinewood is set to be built in Hertfordshire.

In a move that could create up to 4,500 new jobs, global investor Blackstone and real estate giant Hudson Pacific Properties have revealed plans to launch the ‘centre for film, TV and digital production’ in Broxbourne.

The two firms already own a group of studios in California called Sunset Studios – though this will be their first operation outside the US.

The planned site will be about 20 miles east of Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, home to the Harry Potter series.

It is understood the studio is planned to be larger than other rivals such as Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where James Bond and Star Wars movies have been filmed. 

And it is hoped that it will tempt the likes of Amazon and Netflix to make more blockbuster film and TV series in the UK. 

A ‘world class’ £700million film and TV facility to rival the likes of Warner Bros and Pinewood is set to be built in Hertfordshire – in a move that could create up to 4,500 new jobs. Pictured: An artist’s impression of the site

The planned site will be about 20 miles east of Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, home to the Harry Potter (pictured) series

It is understood the new studio is planned to be larger than other rivals such as Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where James Bond (pictured) and Star Wars movies have been filmed

Blackstone and Hudson Pacific have acquired a 91-acre site, 17 miles north of central London, through a joint venture for £120million.

The companies said the total investment in the project, which is set to create more than 4,500 permanent jobs, is expected to be in excess of £700million including the land purchase.

Sunset Studios has hosted major small and big screen hits including When Harry Met Sally, La La Land and numerous Academy Award winning films.

James Seppala, head of Blackstone Real Estate Europe, said: ‘We are excited to expand our partnership with Hudson Pacific into the UK and intend to deliver a world-class studio facility that will help ensure that the UK continues to be a premier destination for content production globally.

‘This is a continuation of our thematic investment focus and long-term conviction in media, entertainment and content creation.’

Victor Coleman, chairman and chief executive officer of Hudson Pacific, said: ‘With our expertise developing and operating state-of-the-art media campuses and Blackstone’s resources and existing market presence, we are confident this facility will be in high demand from leading content creators.

Star quality: The £700m development is the first the chain has built outside of Tinseltown

‘We look forward to working with Broxbourne Council to ensure the project has a meaningful positive impact on the local community.’

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said the investment was ‘excellent news’ for the UK’s film and TV industry.

He said: ‘The creative industries are at the heart of our plans to build back better. This will be a hub for both UK and international productions, showcasing home-grown talent on the global stage.’

And Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden 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.’

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