Plans in for £33.5m Northern Studios expansion
Continuing the region’s focused approach to developing creative industries in the North East, an application has been made to Hartlepool Council for the extension of the current studios and the construction of the Screen Industries Production Village.
The village would entail a number of derelict buildings being converted into pre- and post-production facilities to support the Northern Studios.
Specific details include the partial demolition and refurbishment of 10-1 and 16 Church Street, partial demolition and the extension of the two current studios, the construction of a substation and security building, as well as associated infrastructure, landscaping and a car park.
The project is being led by the joint forces of Hartlepool Development Corporation, Hartlepool Council, The Northern School of Art, and North East Screen, and is being funded by a grants from Levelling Up and the Tees Valley Investment Zone.
Subject to approval, the council hopes work will begin in a few months time.
The 30,000 sq ft studio complex was opened at the end of 2022 and was funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.
Hartlepool Council’s chair of economic growth and regeneration, cllr Pamela Hargreaves said: “These plans are massive for our town, they are all about creating good quality jobs for local people, attracting businesses and investment into Hartlepool and bringing derelict buildings back into use.
“These plans are exactly what we are wanting to achieve as a council as part of our £150m capital programme and I am delighted to see the partnership working to bring forward these transformational plans.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are committed to establishing Hartlepool as a leading UK centre for TV and film production and it’s great to see this further step forward in achieving that ambition.
“Our Investment Zone funding gives us the opportunity to support fantastic projects such as this and to help us grow our creative businesses – creating skilled jobs and reviving our town centres.”
North East Screen chief executive, Alison Gwynn said: “There’s been several shows film in and around Tees Valley in the past year, including the BBC’s hit comedy Smoggie Queens, new ITV X comedy Transaction, and new ITV drama I Fought the Law.
“The development of the studios will allow us to not only attract more productions, but also see Hartlepool become a leading hub for innovative film, digital, and TV production by having suppliers and creative industry businesses operating in close proximity to the studios.
“The North East continues to be the fastest growing region for TV and film, and projects like this will only strengthen our ability to host global productions.”
