Sky has announced plans to expand its current studios complex to include ten more stages.
The film and television studios under construction in Borehamwood, known as Sky Studios Elstree, could be joined by Sky Studios Elstree North, it was announced today.
Sky says if planning permission is secured, it would take the number of stages on-site to 23 over 65 acres, with 470,000 sq ft of stage space for filming.
Over the coming days, around 16,000 residents across Borehamwood will receive letters about the proposal and inviting them to public consultations.
No formal planning application has been submitted yet but Sky has sent a scoping document to Hertsmere Borough Council, which will outline its vision.
This proposal will be in addition to the 13 stages already under construction in Rowley Lane with Sky Studios Elstree scheduled to open by the end of 2022. It has already been confirmed Universal Pictures’ film adaptation of Wicked will be the first production to film on site.
The new plans for Sky Studios Elstree North would see green belt land, next door to the left of Sky's current construction site, built over.
It is understood that the expansion of the studio would be to host new film and TV productions from both Sky and sister-company NBCUniversal as both look to produce more content in the UK.
As part of the North scheme, Sky is also proposing to build a new Sky Up Academy Studios for people aged 14 to 18.
Other ideas under consideration include a museum celebrating the screen heritage of the town, along with office space for local industry businesses.
There are also plans to develop a three-acre wet grassland area.
Sky says its North scheme would deliver a further 2,000 jobs locally, in addition to the 2,000 it says the approved scheme has delivered through construction and operation, as well as enable an additional £2 billion of production investment over the first five years of operation.
The North studios would be wholly powered by renewable energy, with solar panels on every rooftop and single-use plastics banned.
Sky plans to work with landowner Legal & General, as it has done on its current scheme.
Read more: Sky Studios Elstree says new jobs available for local young people
Sky Studios chief operating officer Caroline Cooper said: “Elstree and Borehamwood has an incredible history in film and TV production and we are proud to present proposals to invest further in the area by bringing more jobs, training and investment to the local community.
“By expanding the current site, rather than building elsewhere, we’ll be able to reduce the impact on the local community throughout construction and operation, as well as attract even more global productions to the area with one, dedicated studio.
“We have heard over the past few years that investment in local infrastructure is a big priority for residents so, throughout the consultation period, we are keen to hear ideas on how we can work together with the council and local organisations to improve this.”
For more details about the proposal and to find out more about consultation events visit https://skystudioselstreenorth.co.uk/
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