Liverpool Council has revealed plans to build two 20,000sq ft filming studios, in what they hope will act as a catalyst for the development of a new “Hollywood of the North.”
Submitted by the council for planning permission last month, the proposals could be complete as early as April 2021, if approval is processed quickly.
Announcing the plans, Mayor Joe Anderson said demand for the city among production companies had reached a “tipping point”, requiring greater investment in new facilities.
Plans were released just after Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) was announced as the educational partner for Littlewoods Film and TV Studios last week.
A report to the council’s cabinet says: “The pop-up studios will be a quick turnaround solution and provide the city with a ready to go facility which will attract productions, help support the visitor and hotel economy and allow Liverpool to kick start some of the proposals set out in the Screen Liverpool Workforce Strategy. The project will provide a solid foundation for the long term success of the Littlewoods Film and TV Studios proposed on the adjacent site.
“The proposed pop-up studios will be on-site in advance of the Littlewoods scheme and enable the Liverpool Film Office to meet existing demand as the film and TV industry quickly try to restart filming and production. The project is working to a tight timescale to be open by April 2021 and a planning application has recently been submitted.”
Morgan Sindall Construction is set to carry out the work pending funding being approved and it is estimated the scheme will create 360 new jobs.
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