The plans, dubbed Sky Studios Elstree North, would expand the overall offering to 22 stages, providing a total of 470,000 sq ft of stage space

Planning approval has been granted for a major expansion of Sky Studios Elstree, home to filming on Wicked, Paddington in Peru, and Jurassic World: Rebirth.

The scheme is financed and developed by Legal & General (L&G) and will add 10 stages to the complex in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, with an estimated 2,000 jobs created and £2bn of investment to the UK within five years of operation.

Dubbed Sky Studios Elstree North, the planned footprint would expand the overall offering to 22 stages across 65 acres, providing a total of 470,000 sq ft of stage space.

As part of the proposal, Sky has included plans to benefit the local community. A large number of the jobs created are anticipated to be filled by crew members in the area, with more than £6.5m of funding allocated to improve local roads and transport links.

Sustainability will also be prioritised, with solar panels on every rooftop, LED lighting, and a fully- electric vehicle fleet incorporated into the expansion.

The scheme includes 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.

As well as the aforementioned features that have shot there, Sky Originals including Bad Tidings and comedy Mr Bigstuff have also been based at the studio, as well as A League of Their Own, The Unofficial Science of, and various Sky commercials. 

Adrian Wootton, 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.”

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.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, stated: “… 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.” 

The original site was financed through L&G‘s annuity portfolio.