Sky has unveiled plans to create 2,000 new jobs through the opening of a new studio facility at Elstree.
The broadcaster says the opening of the 14-stage Sky Studios Elstree will result in a £3 billion production investment in the UK creative sector over the next 5 years.
The 32 acre site, just north of London, is being backed by Sky and new owner Comcast, alongside sister-company NBCUniversal. Legal & General will develop its site and provide financing for the project.
Assuming Sky receives planning approval, the site will open in 2022, and will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and state-of-the-art post-production and digital facilities.
Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, said Sky Studios Elstree would play a pivotal role in bringing UK and European talent and creativity to the world. “We know our customers love our award-winning Sky Originals like Chernobyl and our investment in Sky Studios Elstree will enable us to bring more unique stories to more viewers.”
The new studio space will also play host to major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from NBCUniversal Content Studios.
It will also have capacity to host productions from third party producers.