The proposed location for a £700 million film and TV studios facility earmarked in Hertfordshire has now been revealed.
It is understood that the site for a new Sunset Studios in Broxbourne will be at Theobalds Park, just off junction 25 of the M25 near Waltham Cross.
It is about 20 miles east of Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, and is planned to be larger than other rivals such as Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where James Bond and Star Wars movies have been filmed.
It is understood this will be the location of the new studio
Global investor Blackstone and real estate giant Hudson Pacific Properties have acquired a 91-acre site for £120 million, and they expect a total investment in excess of £700 million for the project.
Now Richard Roberts, the leader of Hertfordshire County Council and chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board, has praised the plan that is set to bring 4,500 permanent jobs to Hertfordshire.
He said: “This announcement is fantastic news for Hertfordshire and, together with the new Sky Studios development currently being built at Elstree [although technically located in Borehamwood], is another clear sign of our county’s continued attractiveness and status as home to the UK’s world-class creative media industry.
“This is wonderful news for local people and our ongoing commitment to ensuring high quality local employment opportunities, with more than 4,500 permanent jobs to be created in Broxbourne which will be vital to delivering sustainable growth.
“We have some important leading national and international businesses in Hertfordshire. Ensuring the county continues to be a thriving place to do business, as well as supporting Hertfordshire’s economic recovery following an uncertain 18 months, is of the utmost importance. This is a huge step forward in achieving these ambitions.”
Impression of the studio issued by Blackstone (Photo: PA)
Sunset Studios has hosted major small and big screen hits including When Harry Met Sally, La La Land and numerous Academy Award winning films.
Victor Coleman, chairman and chief executive officer of Hudson Pacific, previously stated he is “confident” that the facility will be in “high demand from leading content creators”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here