Work begins on Elstree Studios expansion

Work has begun to build two new sound stages and ancillary workshops on the site of the former Big Brother house at Elstree Studios.

 

Hertsmere Borough Council awarded the main contract for the £15.6m project to RG Carter Construction – a project that is expected to create at least 800 new jobs, plus apprenticeships.

 

As part of the deal, £100,000 per year from the rental income received by the council will be invested locally into creative industries, including local media and creative enterprise and initiatives.

 

Elstree Studios’ managing director, Roger Morris, said: “This is the first new stage build on the Elstree Studios site in over 20 years. It will be there to satisfy client demand for stage space. The new stages will be built to a very high specification, similar to our successful George Lucas stages, and will benefit from the appropriate infrastructure already in place for the film and TV industry at Elstree Studios.


“Once built, there will be nine stages available for clients on site. The new stages are next door to the Elstree Studios backlot currently used by Netflix and Sony Left Bank Pictures’ ‘The Crown’, which is just about to begin filming series 5.”

 

Oliver Dowden, MP for Hertsmere and secretary of state for DCMS, said: "It is great to be here today marking the expansion of the Elstree Studios site, as work begins building two new sound stages and ancillary workshops.

 

"I am thrilled to support this project that will bolster Elstree’s status as the home of UK film and this country’s position as a creative industries superpower.

 

"This is a great example of our local council and this Government working together to strengthen our creative industries both here in Hertsmere and nationally.

 

"As the council has done its part to support the project, now the Government will deliver the extra £6 million in funding the project needs to get the show on the road."

 

Dowden, council leader Cllr Morris Bright MBE and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board member David Conway joined Roger Morris to mark the occasion of the main construction work beginning. Enabling works have been underway at the site since earlier this year.