Stirling to build new large-scale film and television studio campus

A massive new film and TV studio campus is to be built in Stirling.

Stirling Studios will become one of the largest media centers in the world Scotland It is expected to pave the way for thousands of high-skilled jobs.

An independent economic impact assessment estimates that the project will create more than 4,000 jobs over 25 years, with positive benefits that will trickle down to the wider supply chain.

The development will be built on former Ministry of Defense (MoD) land at Forthside.

Announcing the plans on Wednesday, Stirling Council’s chief executive said the site and building were ideally suited to the needs of the industry.

Carol Beattie said: “In my role as International Creative Industries Director at Development Scotland, I know there are still vacancies for more production spaces in Scotland.

“At the time, I was in London talking to the British Film Commission and studio operators such as Pinewood, Three Mills and Warner Bros. to understand the specifications of a good website.

“When I saw Forthside’s unique architecture and location I thought it was a perfect fit and this was confirmed through our close consultation with the industry, including Screen Scotland.”

Experts assess that there are currently 100,000 square feet of studio space and 110,000 square feet of production, logistics and office space on site.

Some existing buildings on the site will be retained and renovated, while the remaining land will be redeveloped and cleared in line with existing plans.

The location has been used as a filming location.

Feedback on the plans also highlighted the many benefits of Stirling itself, including the surrounding scenery and natural beauty, its central location, good transport links, and the opportunities to increase Scotland’s talent pool through partnerships with universities such as the University of Stirling Valley College.

The local authority snapped up the MoD land for £5m through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Area Agreement, a partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish governments. a £214 million partnership.

The ambitious project is being supported by the repurposing of part of a £19 million UK Government grant for the regeneration and regeneration of Forthside.

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Chris Kane, leader of Stirling City Council, said: “We have an opportunity to embed an industry in our city that will bring thousands of highly skilled jobs, put us on the global creative map and put us on the global creative map. Bringing significant economic growth to the region over several decades.

“By innovatively utilizing existing buildings on a former military base, we are creating a studio campus that will provide filmmakers with everything they need to meet the needs of a booming industry.

“Students in our schools, colleges and universities will be able to pursue creative careers in Stirling which in the past meant having to consider leaving to pursue opportunities elsewhere.”

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Scottish Government minister John Lamont said he was “delighted” that £24m of funding from Westminster had helped the council achieve its ambitions.

He added: “The jobs and economic recovery that will follow will provide excellent opportunities for the region.

“The UK Government is committed to ensuring that Scotland and the wider UK remain attractive locations for film and high-end television production.

“That’s why we’re supporting the world’s leading creative industries with £1 billion in tax breaks. In total we’re investing £72 million to level up Stirling and Clackmannanshire, and more than £3 billion across Scotland. “