Sky Studios Elstree submits expansion plans

The film and television studios under construction in Borehamwood, known as Sky Studios Elstree, could be joined by Sky Studios Elstree North.

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.

The stages would be built on green belt land next door to the current studios complex which is nearing completion.

Another multi-storey car park, this one of 1,000 spaces, is also proposed along with a backlot for storage and possible filming.

CGI showing what an expanded Sky Studios Elstree complex could look like. Credit: Sky

This proposal will be in addition to the 13 stages already under construction in Rowley Lane with Sky Studios Elstree scheduled to be fully operational by February 2023. It has already been confirmed Universal Pictures’ film adaptation of Wicked will be the first production to film on site.

The expansion plans went out for public consultation in the summer and Sky said its latest plans submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council take into account feedback.

It speaks about highway improvements, of which £2.7m has already been spent, such as the introduction of a third lane on the Newark Green roundabout.

Other transport schemes in the pipeline are the bike hire scheme for Borehamwood and improvements to an electric shuttle bus service.

An outline of the proposed expansion site. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

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.

The approved Sky Studios Elstree site which is set to open later this year. Credit: Sky

Sky plans to work with landowner Legal & General, as it has done on its current scheme.

It was recently confirmed Sky will be taking on 300,000 sq foot of warehouse space at nearby Panattoni Park in Elstree Way.

This space will be used primarily for storage and Sky says the units are not suitable for filming.

Panattoni Park, with Sky Studios Elstree in the background (Image: Panattoni Park)

The film and TV sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK and Sky says it wants to "continue to attract world-leading productions" through its expansion.

Read more: Sky Studios Elstree says new jobs available for local young people

Sky Studios' Caroline Cooper, second from right, ahead of the construction of the current Sky Studios Elstree scheme. Also pictured is Nigel Wilson from Legal & General, Helen Parker from the Universal group, and Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright. Credit: Sky

Sky Studios chief operating officer Caroline Cooper said in the summer: “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."

The planning application can be found on the council planning portal via reference 22/1526/FULEI.