Hollywood comes to Hertfordshire: £700m World-Class Film and TV Studios to create 4500 jobs
- Proposed development to be a hub for UK and international productions
- Estimated over £700 million investment to create state-of-the-art studio facilities
- Project expected to create over 4,500 permanent jobs and contribute £300 million annually to the local economy and become one of the UK’s largest production locations
The Hollywood studio behind big-screen hits such as When Harry Met Sally is coming to the UK. A major new centre for film, TV and digital production will be built in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, just 17 miles north of central London.
The investment deal is being led by Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Los Angeles-based Hudson Pacific Properties, who claim it will create over 4,500 permanent jobs for Broxbourne and the surrounding community and contribute more than £300m annually to the local economy.
Sunset Studios, which is behind the deal has hosted some of the biggest small and big-screen hits including When Harry Met Sally and La La Land as well as numerous Academy Award-winning films.
Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State at the Blackstone Real Estate Partners said: “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 binge-worthy box set.”
The site acquired covers 91 acres, through a joint venture for £120m. The proposed property development, which is subject to planning permission, will transform the site into one of the largest world-class film and television studio campuses. The acquisition, with an expected total investment of over £700 million, will be the partners’ first expansion of their Sunset Studios platform outside of the US.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed that the investment is “excellent news for the UK’s film and TV industry, pumping hundreds of millions of pounds into the local economy and creating thousands of jobs for the people of Hertfordshire.”
“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.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Victor Coleman, Chairman and CEO of Hudson Pacific, said he is confident the facility will be in high demand from leading content creators.
“We look forward to working with Broxbourne Council to ensure the project has a meaningful positive impact on the local community,” said Coleman.
Cllr. Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, said, “Creative Industries are of strategic importance to us and the creation of over 4,500 permanent new jobs and the associated boost to the local economy is just what we need following the pandemic. We look forward to working with Blackstone and Hudson Pacific to help deliver significant positive change in Broxbourne.”
