Planning approval secured for main growth of Hartlepool’s movie and TV manufacturing {industry}

The Northern Studios will bear an growth, together with the development of bigger studios and the set up of industry-leading gear and services. In addition, a Screen Industries Production Village can be developed within the surrounding space, repurposing 9 disused buildings into cutting-edge pre and post-production areas, workshops, and collaborative hubs for inventive professionals.

Among the buildings to be revitalised is the Grade-II listed Shades Hotel, which can be introduced again into use alongside a number of different heritage properties.

A pc-generated picture of how the enduring Shades Hotel might look as a part of the Screen Industries Production Village.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, mentioned: “This is a game-changing second for Hartlepool—not only for our inventive industries, however for the city as an entire. The £33.5 million funding into increasing our movie and tv manufacturing services will create over 130 new jobs, entice additional non-public sector funding, and ship an enduring enhance to our native economic system.

 

“We’re reworking 9 disused buildings into dynamic areas for manufacturing, innovation, and collaboration, respiration new life into areas which have lengthy wanted revitalisation. This growth will assist nurture native expertise, assist small companies, and place Hartlepool as a severe participant within the UK’s inventive sector.

I’m extremely pleased with the partnership working that has introduced us thus far. Together, we’re creating jobs, driving funding, and laying the foundations for a extra affluent and vibrant future for Hartlepool.”

The venture is being led by Hartlepool Borough Council, in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Screen, the area’s display industries growth company. Funding for the venture has been secured from the UK Government and Tees Valley Investment Zone.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor mentioned: “This is unbelievable information for Hartlepool and the entire of Teesside. The growth of The Northern Studios and the creation of a brand-new TV and movie manufacturing village will put our area firmly on the map as a house for world-class display industries.

“Not solely will this large funding convey derelict buildings again to life, it is going to additionally create high-quality jobs and alternatives for native folks in an thrilling and rising sector.

“We have already seen through shows like I Fought The Law how we are telling powerful and engaging stories about Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington – and these new facilities will build on that to deliver something truly transformational for the town and wider region.”

The Northern Studios, which opened in 2022, have already hosted high-profile productions together with ITV’s rankings hit, I Fought the Law, ITV comedy Transaction and the function movie Jackdaw. The growth will construct on this success, attracting each nationwide and worldwide productions to the city.

Martin Raby, Principal of The Northern School of Art, mentioned: “This is good news. The Studios improve coupled with the creation of the Production Village, supported by the first-rate work of North East Screen, will imply that many extra productions can be drawn to our area.

“It is gratifying to see this development of a project initiated by the School in 2016 and consistently backed by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and now the Hartlepool Development Corporation. Without their support we wouldn’t see this great opportunity for change in our town and for the region.”

Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, mentioned: “Securing planning approval for the Hartlepool Production Village and the growth of Northern Studios marks a pivotal second for the North East’s display sector.

“This growth will enable us to proceed to develop a thriving ecosystem for native expertise and companies who’re working throughout linear TV and digital codecs, and see extra TV and movie manufacturing throughout Hartlepool and the broader Tees Valley.

“We have stunning and diverse locations, experienced talented crew based in the region, and a network of local authorities who will ensure productions happen seamlessly.”

The growth is being delivered in collaboration with {industry} specialists Leonard Design, Stace and TIME + SPACE.

Piers Read, CEO of TIME + SPACE, mentioned: “TIME + SPACE is delighted to have advised on this hugely significant regeneration in Hartlepool. As specialists in developing creatively led real estate, we are excited to be going forward by revitalising these much loved but overlooked urban spaces by turning them into vibrant communities driven by film, entertainment, media and hospitality.”

John Holden, Director Major Projects at Leonard Design, mentioned: “Leonard Design is proud to be designing and delivering the transformational Hartlepool Screen Industries Production Village and Northern Studios expansion, working alongside TIME + SPACE and in collaboration with Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority. This visionary project establishes Hartlepool as the North East’s premier creative district, creating significant employment while transforming disused town centre buildings into vibrant creative workspaces and securing the town’s place at the heart of the UK’s rapidly expanding screen industries sector.”

With planning approvals now in place and funding secured, development is anticipated to start throughout the coming months.