Sky’s plans to build a 32-acre TV and film studio at Elstree could lead to 2,000 new jobs for the local economy, the telecommunications company says.
Subject to planning consent, Sky Studios Elstree will be based in Elstree, home to the world-renowned Elstree Studios, just north of London.
Sky estimates that it would generate an additional £3bn of production investment in the UK’s creative economy over the first five years of operation and create over 2000 new jobs.
Once complete, the site will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and state-of-the-art post-production and digital facilities. It will also house 14 sound stages.
‘Sky Studios Elstree will play a pivotal role in bringing the wealth of UK and European talent and creativity to the world,’ said Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive, Sky.
‘We know our customers love our award-winning Sky Originals like Chernobyl and our investment in Sky Studios Elstree will enable us to bring more unique stories to more viewers.
‘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. We can’t wait to get started.’
Responding to the announcement, Sajida Bijle, interim managing director of Hertsmere Borough Council, said she was ‘delighted’ by this announcement.
‘This presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our creative industries in Hertsmere and build on our proud film and television heritage in the borough,’ she said.
‘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.’
