Sky has announced its plans for a new 32-acre TV and film studio at Elstree, home to the world-renowned Elstree Studios, which will see over 2,000 jobs created
The proposed development at Elstree will be made with the support of Sky’s new owner, Comcast, and in partnership with sister-company NBCUniversal.
Legal & General will develop its site and provide financing for the project.
Sky Studios Elstree will be situated in the borough of Hertsmere. Legal & General are in the process of finalising a detailed design of the scheme and expect to submit a formal planning application early next year.
Sky Studios Elstree will work in close collaboration with Elstree Studios despite both businesses being managed independently of each other.
The new Sky Studios Elstree will:
- Create over 2000 new jobs and help boost the local economy
- Generate an additional £3bn of production investment in the UK’s creative economy over the first five years of operation, from Sky, NBCUniversal and other producers
- House 14 sound stages and become a new home for the best of British and European creative talent.
Subject to planning consent, the development is expected to open in 2022 and will allow the production of several films and TV shows simultaneously, with each of the 14 sound stages covering over 20,000 sqft.
Once complete, the site will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and post-production and digital facilities.
The new studio space will also play host to major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from NBCUniversal Content Studios. It will also have the capacity to host productions from third party producers.
Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive of Sky, said: “Sky Studios Elstree will play a pivotal role in bringing the wealth of UK and European talent and creativity to the world.
“We are proud to be working with our colleagues at NBCUniversal and Comcast, and our partners Hertsmere Borough Council and L&G to bring this project to life. Together we share a joint vision to create a world-leading production capability that will support the creation of thousands of jobs in the creative sector.”
Sajida Bijle, interim managing director of Hertsmere Borough Council, added: “This presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our creative industries in Hertsmere and build on our proud film and television heritage in the Borough.
“This scheme would bring significant employment opportunities to the region and put Elstree firmly on the global stage, whilst further enhancing our local film tourism. There will be opportunities for people to see the plans and to comment on the proposals once a formal planning application is submitted.”
