Plans revealed for major Hertfordshire film studio

Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties plan to create a major new centre for film, TV and digital production in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.

The companies have acquired a 91-acre site, 17 miles north of central London, through a joint venture for £120M. The acquisition, with an expected total investment of over £700M, will be the partners’ first expansion of their Sunset Studios platform outside of the USA.

The proposed development, which is subject to planning permission, would transform the site into one of the largest world-class film and television studio campuses. The project is expected to create over 4,500 permanent jobs for Broxbourne and the surrounding community and contribute more than £300M annually into the local economy.

James Seppala, Head of Blackstone Real Estate Europe, said: “We are excited to expand our partnership with Hudson Pacific into the UK, and intend to deliver a world-class studio facility that will help ensure that the UK continues to be a premier destination for content production. This is a continuation of our thematic investment focus and long-term conviction in media, entertainment and content creation.” 

Oliver Dowden MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “This new studio is yet another vote of confidence in the UK’s booming film and TV industry. 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.”