Welsh Assembly paves way for regional film studio

A much-vaunted project to build a major studio complex in Wales, bogged down in planning wrangles for over a year, has been given a boost by the Welsh National Assembly.
The Assembly’s Transport Directorate have given the green light for a motorway junction which would provide the gateway for the 350-acre Dragon International Studios project, planned for near Bridgend.
The Assembly ruling leaves the local planning authorities to make a decision about the planning application.
Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "The film studio is a unique development and I am very pleased we have been able to find a way forward which paves the way for this major investment to become a reality.
"The final decision now rests with Rhondda Cynon Taff and the Vale of Glamorgan, the local planning authorities, who are now free to determine the planning application."
Minister for Culture, Jenny Randerson, added: "The development could be a real boost to the creative industries in Wales by providing the complete range of facilities required by film makers and producers. It could be an example of how the creative industries can make a positive and significant contribution towards the future economic growth of Wales."
The announcement was warmly welcomed by the South Wales Film Commission. Commissioner Yvonne Cheal said: "Following this announcement, if planning permission is now granted by the relevant local authorities, it will provide a great boost to the economy of Wales, and provide thousands of jobs in a modern, high-calibre industry."
Film-related plans for the complex include the construction of a film studio, a motion picture entertainment venue, a film academy, and a media business park. These features are interlinked, and will provide state-of-the-art production, leisure, training and support facilities.
Cheal added: "It is envisaged that training and staff development will be a crucial feature of the film studio – which in turn will bring international productions to Wales. The studio’s success will be driven from the ground up, with local employees being trained in the interchangeable skills necessary to service both a film studio and a movie-based entertainment venue. The training and retraining of local people as hands-on operatives with film industry skills will be of primary importance, with around 1,700 jobs being generated during the first stage of development."
The South Wales Film Commission have built a solid reputation in attracting international film productions to South Wales, and currently have £146 million of enquiries on hand, ranging from multi-million pound feature films to television series and commercials.
(GB)