Elstree Studios opens Platinum stages
Elstree Studios has opened its new Platinum stages.
Named after the Queen’s jubilee year, the two soundstages have a combined workable footprint of 3,210 sq metres. They can be used as two separate stages or combined into one, and are clad in timber cassettes.
The development cost £15.6m and were part-funded by Hertsmere Borough Council and the government’s Getting Building Fund via Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The project was completed by Hertsmere Borough Council, main contractors RG Carter, BAQUS Construction and Property Consultancy, B & K Structures and Rubner.
Chairman of Elstree Studios’ board of directors and leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, commented: “I’m delighted to see this construction project completed and excited to see the stages fully operational very soon. The stages are among the best in the industry and keep our studios as a top destination for television and film production in the world.”
David Conway, chair of Hertfordshire LEP’s Film & TV Industry Panel, said: “As part of our work to further reinforce Hertfordshire’s position as the vanguard of UK film and TV, we’re delighted that funding secured by the Local Enterprise Partnership will help accelerate the growth of the sector locally, providing a host of economic benefits.
“With production space in such high demand, the Platinum Stages will attract new studio business and bigger projects to the county, supporting local jobs and the vast network of SMEs that form the supply chain to the sector.”
Dean Hall, director at R G Carter, added: “We’re delighted to announce the completion of The Platinum Stages which will enhance the UK’s growing creative industry. These state-of-the-art soundstages are an exciting development for the area, and it has been a pleasure working with Hertsmere Borough Council and Elstree Studios in supporting their ambitious plans. We look forward to seeing the full potential of the specialist facility, both on and off-screen, for many years to come.”
Elstree Studios space continues to be in demand, with this announcement coming shortly after BBC Studioworks renewed its deal with the facility.
Image: R G Carter