Key Insights
- Location: 91-acre site in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, just off the M25
- Size: 1.2 million-square-foot studio campus with 21 sound stages totaling 470,000 square feet
- Estimated Cost: £700 million (approximately $1 billion)
- Developers: Joint venture between Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties
- Land Purchase: Land acquired in Summer 2021 for £120 million
- Planning Permission: Granted July 18, 2022
- Original Opening Target: 2025
- Construction Status (as of July 2023): Construction paused due to rising costs and market conditions
- Groundworks: Nearly complete as of October 2024
- Future Work: Dependent on stabilisation of market rates and securing construction financing
- Economic Impact: Expected to create up to 4,800 jobs and contribute £300 million annually to the local economy
- Sustainability Targets: Aiming for BREEAM Excellent and LEED Gold Certifications
- Biodiversity Net Gain: 10% increase through provision of a South Meadow parkland area
- Solar Energy: Solar panels planned throughout the site
- Expansion Plans (2024): Intention to expand onto adjacent land formerly owned by a country club for backlot use
- Government Incentive (March 2024 Budget): 40% reduction on business rates for film studios (not fully offsetting cost increases)
- Industry Context: The project remains under reassessment due to economic challenges and changes in the film industry landscape.
Despite the challenges facing global construction and entertainment industries, Sunset Waltham Cross Studios continues to stand as a beacon of optimism for the UK’s future in film and television production. The ambitious £700 million (approximately $1 billion) project—a joint venture between Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties—has made significant strides since its inception, reinforcing confidence that once market conditions stabilize, it will deliver substantial economic, environmental, and cultural benefits.
A Grand Vision for UK Film Infrastructure
Encompassing a 91-acre site just off the M25, Sunset Waltham Cross Studios is designed to be a world-class production hub, offering a 1.2 million square-foot campus with an impressive 21 sound stages spanning 470,000 square feet. Originally set to open in 2025, this facility is poised to become a cornerstone of the UK’s creative sector, capable of hosting the simultaneous filming of four feature-length productions and attracting top-tier talent from around the globe.
Solid Economic Foundations
The local economy in Broxbourne and the surrounding region stands to gain immensely once the studios become operational. With an expected annual contribution of £300 million and the creation of more than 4,800 jobs, the project offers a significant boost to local employment, supply chains, and related service industries. Land purchased in Summer 2021 for £120 million underscores the long-term commitment to fostering growth and opportunity in the area.
Planning Success and Public Support
Backed by enthusiastic local authorities, the studio project secured planning permission on July 18, 2022. Since then, it has retained broad community and government support, with stakeholders hopeful about the facility’s ability to strengthen the UK’s capacity for film and television production. This sentiment aligns well with the UK government’s recognition of the sector’s importance—most notably highlighted in the March 2024 Budget announcement of a 40% reduction in business rates for film studios. Although the measure does not fully counterbalance rising costs and industry-wide tax burdens, it represents a positive step, reinforcing confidence in the UK as a premier filmmaking destination.
Market Resilience and Construction Update
While rising construction costs and shifting market conditions led to a pause in building activity in July 2023, the project has not stalled entirely. As of October 2024, groundworks are nearly complete, laying essential infrastructure for the extensive electrical, lighting, and technological systems that modern film production requires. In April 2024, the studio’s website noted that after nine months of intense groundwork, the team had gained momentum, stating: “As we move forward to the next phase, we have been assessing the current climate and intend to continue once market rates and construction financing stabilise.”
Green Ambitions and Biodiversity Gains
From its inception, Sunset Waltham Cross Studios aimed to redefine what it means to create a sustainable film production environment. Targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and LEED Gold certification, the campus is set to join the UK’s top 10% of buildings for sustainability performance. Plans include extensive solar panel installations and a dedicated South Meadow parkland area ensuring a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. This approach blends cutting-edge production facilities with a thriving natural habitat, signifying that environmental stewardship and economic development need not be mutually exclusive.
Expansion and Future Outlook
Even as the project team carefully reconsiders timelines, there are encouraging signs of long-term vision. In 2024, the developers announced plans to expand onto adjacent land currently owned by a country club. This addition will serve as a backlot area and site for workshop facilities, further enhancing the flexibility and capacity of the studios. By repurposing the former clubhouse into workshops, the complex can adapt to industry trends and meet evolving production needs.
A Positive Path Forward
Though construction has paused, the overall trajectory for Sunset Waltham Cross Studios remains promising. The combination of strong local support, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, an accessible location near the M25, and the UK government’s incentives point towards a robust rebound once financial conditions improve. The foundation has been laid—both literally and figuratively—for a leading-edge production complex capable of shaping the future of British filmmaking.
As market rates settle and financing becomes more predictable, Sunset Waltham Cross Studios is well-positioned to resume construction and fulfill its vision. In doing so, it will not only create jobs, drive economic growth, and nurture biodiversity but also underscore the UK’s standing as a global powerhouse in film and TV production.
Also read
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
