Decision paves the way for Sky and Legal & General (L&G) partnership to support the growth of the UK film and TV sector through infrastructure development and job creation.

In a significant moment for the UK’s media and entertainment sector, planning approval has been granted for the expansion of Sky Studios Elstree, Sky’s state-of-the-art film and TV studio, financed and developed by L&G. The approval, which would allow a further 10 stages to the impressive complex in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, unlocks development that is expected to create over 2,000 jobs and attract £2bn of production investment to the UK within the first five years of operation. 

The expansion approval marks a major boost for UK economic growth, allowing Sky Studios Elstree, one of Europe’s leading production hubs, to grow to 22 stages across 65 acres for a total of 470,000 sq ft of premium stage space for filming. 

Since opening in 2022, Sky Studios Elstree has already hosted a string of global blockbuster productions and hit TV productions, including Wicked starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Paddington in Peru, and Jurassic World: Rebirth. Sky Originals have also made the studio their home, from festive drama Bad Tidings and comedy Mr Bigstuff to A League of Their Own, The Unofficial Science of, and a raft of Sky commercials.  

Dana Strong, Group CEO, Sky, said: “The UK’s media and entertainment sector is a global powerhouse, and the expansion of Sky Studios Elstree will elevate it even further, creating thousands of jobs and opening doors for the next generation of British talent. With the government’s continued support through business rates relief and film and TV tax incentives, our creative economy is poised to be a driving force of UK growth.” 

The original site was financed through L&G’s annuity portfolio, which deploys capital into infrastructure projects to generate income to support long-term pension commitments whilst driving regional regeneration and delivering long-term job creation. 

António Simões, Group CEO, L&G, said: “The approval of the next phase of development at Sky Studios Elstree is welcome news for the local area and the UK’s creative industries and sends a strong signal that shows the UK is serious about growth. As a leading institutional investor, L&G is committed to getting capital behind projects that will drive our growth industries and give them a competitive edge on the world stage, while creating jobs and improving infrastructure for local people.” 

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “This government is backing the builders, not the blockers. By cutting unnecessary red tape and transforming the planning system, we are getting Britain building and bringing in private investment to build an economy that rewards working people. This expansion is a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading film and TV sector that will create thousands of new jobs and boost investment into the UK, ensuring Elstree’s status as a hub of British creativity and innovation.”  

Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO, British Film Commission said “Sky Studios Elstree’s expansion is a significant moment for the UK’s creative industries. Investment of this scale creates thousands of new jobs, supports a depth of talent and keeps our film and TV sector at the cutting edge of global entertainment. Inward investment film and HETV production was worth almost £5bn to the UK in 2024. We anticipate an even higher level of investment in 2025, but having the right mix of studio space is vital if we’re to build on such success in the face of intensifying global competition. As we collectively look to drive greater growth in the UK, we should be making every effort to support projects like Sky Studios Elstree North, for its local, national and international advantages.” 

As part of the proposal, Sky has included plans to significantly benefit the local area. A large number of the jobs created are anticipated to be filled by crew members in the local community, and over £6.5m of funding would be invested to improve local roads and transport links. Plans include a new community green at the font of the site, space for local community meetings, and the safeguarding and improvement of 27 acres of nearby land to protect local wildlife and habitats for the next 30 years. 

The project sets some of the world’s most ambitious studio sustainability standards, featuring solar panels on every rooftop, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a fully electric vehicle fleet—all of which will also be incorporated into the expansion. The site is also home to Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree, a pioneering immersive learning hub where young people aged 11 to 18 gain hands-on experience in the diverse roles and career opportunities within the TV and film industry. 

BACKGROUND FOR PRESS  

Expansion plans – background 

Dubbed Sky Studios Elstree North, the plans would take the total number of sound stages onsite to 22, set over 65 acres with 470,000 sq ft of stage space for filming.  

The film and TV industry is a critical part of the UK’s creative economy. The Sky Studios Elstree expansion is being proposed to meet the global demand for studio space, allowing the UK to meet its creative potential. The expansion plans have therefore received letters of support from Creative England, Film London and the British Film Commission. 

The proposal includes a £6.5m contribution to improve local roads and transport, a wet grassland area and community green, and a space on site for community initiatives.

LAE’s

Timeframe  

There is currently no confirmed start date for construction. Given the scale of the proposal, several steps must be completed before work can begin, including finalising the detailed designs. As such, a construction timeline has not yet been set. 

Public consultation  

Sky held a public consultation in Summer 2022 to speak to local people about the proposals, writing to nearly 17,000 households, reaching over 40,000 people through social media, and speaking directly to over 160 people over 15 hours of consultation events. 

 Green belt  

We have spent a significant amount of time assessing the wildlife and ecology of our site. The site currently comprises a number of fields that aren’t publicly accessible and has limited ecological value – being sandwiched between the busy A1, Rowley Lane and our existing site.   

Net biodiversity and wildlife 

Sky will dedicate a significant proportion of the site to a natural grassland to encourage new wildlife and habitats, install bat and bird boxes across the site and look to enhance boundary hedgerows and plant mature, climate resilient new trees wherever possible.  

Through this proposal, Sky has committed to improving 27 acres of Green Belt land, 3 miles from the site, for the next 30 years. The primary goal is to rewild the area, leading to a net gain of biodiversity of 10% to the borough through the overall Sky Studios Elstree North development.