A £33.5 million expansion of film and television production facilities in Hartlepool has been approved, marking the start of a transformative development set to create over 130 new jobs and drive significant investment into the local economy.

The project will see The Northern Studios expand with larger studios and state-of-the-art equipment, alongside the creation of a Screen Industries Production Village. The new village will repurpose nine disused buildings into modern pre- and post-production spaces, workshops, and collaborative hubs for creative professionals.

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Among the heritage properties to be revitalised is the Grade II-listed Shades Hotel, which will be restored as part of the scheme.

Led by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and North East Screen, the development has secured funding from the UK Government and the Tees Valley Investment Zone. It is being delivered with support from industry specialists Leonard Design, Stace, and TIME + SPACE.

The Northern Studios, which opened in 2022, have already hosted productions including ITV's I Fought the Law, comedy series Transaction, and the feature film Jackdaw. The expansion aims to build on this success, attracting both national and international productions to the Tees Valley.

With planning approvals now granted and funding in place, construction is expected to begin in the coming months.