A £700 million film and TV studios facility is set to be built in Hertfordshire that could create more than 4,500 jobs.

The site is about 20 miles east of Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, located in Broxbourne in the east of the county.

It is understood the new studio is planned to be larger than other rivals such as Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where James Bond and Star Wars movies have been filmed.

Global investor Blackstone and real estate giant Hudson Pacific Properties have acquired a 91-acre site for £120 million, marking the first Sunset Studios outside the US.

The companies said there will also be a total expected investment of in excess of £700 million for the project, which is set to create more than 4,500 permanent jobs.

Sunset Studios has hosted major small and big screen hits including When Harry Met Sally, La La Land and numerous Academy Award winning films.

 

Impression of the studio issued by Blackstone (Photo: PA)

Impression of the studio issued by Blackstone (Photo: PA)

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 globally.

“This is a continuation of our thematic investment focus and long-term conviction in media, entertainment and content creation.”

Victor Coleman, chairman and chief executive officer of Hudson Pacific, said: “With our expertise developing and operating state-of-the-art media campuses and Blackstone’s resources and existing market presence, we are confident this 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.”

Culture Secretary and Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden 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 bingeworthy box set.