Sky has announced it wants to build a new 32-acre, state-of-the-art TV and film studio in Borehamwood.

The media and telecommunications giant has identified a site off Rowley Lane, which would put the town right at the heart of the UK's TV and film scene.

The town is already home to the BBC and Elstree Studios.

The new studios, 'Sky Studios Elstree', would house 14 sound stages, bringing 2,000 jobs to the area and a £3 billion investment in the UK's creative production economy over the first five years, and will be made with the backing of Sky’s new owner Comcast and in partnership with sister-company NBCUniversal.

Once complete, the site will include production offices, a set construction workshop, a screening cinema and state-of-the-art post-production and digital facilities.

Subject to planning permission, it could open in 2022, with an application expected by landowner Legal & General in early 2020.

The Rowley Lane site, next door to the Holiday Inn, has been identified as a site for potential employment in Hertsmere Borough Council's local plan.

Borehamwood Times:

The land identified is roughly where the red lines are marked

This stretch of land in Rowley Lane from opposite Studio Way to the Holiday Inn is where the studios are proposed - effectively land between Rowley Lane and the A1.

Sky says it will "work closely" with council-owned Elstree Studios.

Sajida Bijle, interim managing director of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “Hertsmere Borough Council is delighted by this announcement. This presents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our creative industries in Hertsmere and build on our proud film and television heritage in the borough.

"This scheme would bring significant employment opportunities to the region and put Elstree firmly on the global stage, whilst further enhancing our local film tourism. There will be opportunities for people to see the plans and to comment on the proposals once a formal planning application is submitted.”

Reaction from Cllr Caroline Clapper, deputy leader at the council

Jeremy Darroch, group chief executive, Sky, said: "We are proud to be working with our colleagues at NBCUniversal and Comcast, and our partners Hertsmere Borough Council and L&G to bring this project to life.

"Together we share a joint vision to create a world-leading production capability that will support the creation of thousands of jobs in the creative sector. We can’t wait to get started."

In a statement to the Times, an opposition leader at the council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, welcomed the plans but called to ensure the plans were "sensitive" to nearby residents and the community.

What do you think of these plans for Borehamwood? Email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk

  • This article previously stated this development is proposed on greenbelt land. This land is previously greenbelt but the council earmarked the land for employment and took it out of the greenbelt in 2013.