Planning approval has been granted for an expansion of the Northern Studios and the creation of a Screen Industries Production Village in Hartlepool, with support from the Tees Valley Investment Zone.
The plans were approved by Hartlepool Development Corporation's Planning Board and are intended to strengthen the town's film and television production facilities. The expansion includes larger studio spaces and specialist equipment, alongside premises for activities that support productions before and after filming.
Nine vacant buildings in the surrounding area are expected to be brought back into use for workshops, collaborative space and related businesses. The development is being led by Hartlepool Borough Council with partners including the Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Screen.
The wider scheme is valued at £33.5 million and includes funding linked to the Investment Zone. Planning approval is an important delivery milestone, but it does not mean that all facilities are complete or that projected jobs have already been created.
The project builds on the Investment Zone's focus on digital and creative industries.