Hartlepool Film and TV complex plans move a step closer

If planning permission is granted, The Northern Studios will undergo a major expansion, with larger studios and investment in cutting edge equipment and facilities.

Plans have also been submitted to develop a Screen Industries Production Village in the area surrounding The Northern Studios. This would see a number of derelict buildings brought back into use to create pre and post production facilities to support productions using The Northern Studios.

This marks the next stage in the project following two public consultation events on the proposals earlier this year. The events saw local residents, businesses and film and tv industry professionals feed into the plans.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Chair of Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Pamela Hargreaves said: “These plans are massive for our town, they are all about creating good quality jobs for local people, attracting businesses and investment into Hartlepool and bringing derelict buildings back into use.

“These plans are exactly what we are wanting to achieve as a Council as part of our £150m capital programme and I am delighted to see the partnership working to bring forward these transformational plans.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "We are committed to establishing Hartlepool as a leading UK centre for TV and film production and it's great to see this further step forward in achieving that ambition.

"Our Investment Zone funding gives us the opportunity to support fantastic projects such as this and to help us grow our creative businesses - creating skilled jobs and reviving our town centres."

The £33.5m project is being led by Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool Development Corporation and is supported by The Northern School of Art and North East Screen. The project is being funded by the UK Government through the Levelling Up Fund and Tees Valley Investment Zone Fund.

Subject to planning permission being granted, work is likely to begin in a matter of months and support with Hartlepool’s growing reputation as a centre for film and TV production.

A computer-generated image of how the Northern Studios could look once work is completed.

North East Screen Chief Executive, Alison Gwynn said: “It's great to see The Northern Studios and Production Village in Hartlepool take another step forward with plans being submitted. There's been several shows film in and around Tees Valley in the past year, including the BBC's hit comedy, BAFTA nominated Smoggie Queens, new ITV X comedy, Transaction, and new ITV drama, I Fought the Law. 

“The development of the studios will allow us to not only attract more productions, but also see Hartlepool become a leading hub for innovative film, digital and TV production by having suppliers and creative industry businesses operating in close proximity to the studios.

“The North East continues to be the fastest growing region for TV and film, and projects like this will only strengthen our ability to host global productions."

The Northern School of Art Vice Principal (Higher Education), John Waddington said: “At The Northern School of Art, we are proud to be part of this transformational development of The Northern Studios and the creation of a Screen Industries Production Village.

“This project strengthens our commitment to growing the creative industries in the region and will further enhance our students’ experience by providing access to industry-standard facilities in real-world opportunities. It will create new pathways into employment for our graduates while helping to attract and retain screen sector talent here in the North East.”