Plans To Be Submitted For New Scottish Film Studio

A planning application is due to be submitted for a new film studio in Cumbernauld, Scotland, it has been announced.

Speaking to the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee on Wednesday (9 March), Scotland's Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed that a private investor is due to submit a planning application which would enhance the existing production facilities at Wardpark Studios. If approved, the plans would create a permanent TV and film studio with six sound stages, production offices, ancillary spaces and a back lot.

Currently, Wardpark Studios encompasses 48,000 square feet across four sound stages. It is understood plans to extend the facilities to provide an additional 30,000 square feet across two new 50-foot high sound stages have been negotiated between its owners Wardpark Studios Limited and the Film Studio Delivery Group (FSDG), which consists of the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland.

A deal has not yet been finalised regarding the facility, but Wardpark Studios Limited's decision to seek planning consent is viewed as an indication of the site owner's commitment to the project. Planning permission is expected to be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council later this week.

Commenting on the potential investment, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Wardpark Studios Limited's decision to seek planning consent for new studio facilities in Cumbernauld marks an important milestone in our work to strengthen the Scottish screen sector.

"We're seeing significantly increased activity in our screen sector. Film and TV producers spent an unprecedented £45.8 million shooting on location in Scotland in 2014. This record total – an increase of almost £12 million compared with 2013 – demonstrates a fast growing appetite for major productions to base themselves in Scotland.

"Our work to ensure additional screen infrastructure is developed in Scotland and the new funds we have set up, are helping us to build on this growth – incentivising filmmakers from around the world to come and realise their projects in Scotland."

She continued: "The Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland are firmly committed to supporting screen sector growth. This is underlined by the record £24.1 million awarded to support the sector in 2014/15 – and the extra £4.75 million we announced last year across three new funds.

"Scotland's screen sector offers a wealth of experience and talent, supported by a growing number of facilities companies. This, teamed with Scotland's natural landscapes, impressive portfolio of urban locations, and our firm determination to deliver permanent film studio infrastructure, means we are well placed to ensure Scotland's screen industry will continue to strengthen."

Terry Thomson, Chairman of Wardpark Studios Limited, added: "Our existing facility has been a major success for Scotland, attracting Sony's award-winning historical drama Outlander's first and second series. We want to enhance the existing four sound stages with a further two stages to expand and grow productions using the facility.

"With each production using the site, the benefits to the local and national economy are increased, reaching far beyond simply the studio and deep into the supply chain. Lighting and rigging suppliers, local builders' merchants, landscaping suppliers, transport suppliers and many others provide the products and services that ensure these global productions can be made right here in Scotland.

"Our planning application seeks to make the most of the existing facilities and land available. While we've reached agreement in principle with Scottish Enterprise and the Film Studio Delivery Group on possible financial support, there remain a few commercial details still to be finalised before we can move ahead with our plans."

(JP/MH)