Major film studios in the works for disused RAF site

FILM body Screen Yorkshire has secured rights to develop a huge studio space on the former RAF site at Church Fenton.

The organisation says it will deliver “a significant boost” to the region’s film and television infrastructure.

The 100,000 sq ft hangar will be repurposed by property investors Makin Enterprises, who own the Chruch Fenton site which will be called The Yorkshire Studios.

The site comprises of three aircraft hangars, office space, garages, workshops, extensive parking, roadways and runways.

Following the launch of the Yorkshire Content Fund in 2012, the region’s film and television credentials have been given a major boost.

Over £21m has been injected into the region’s economy, primarily through location-based dramas backed by the Fund, including Peaky Blinders, Dad’s Army and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.

Sally Joynson, chief executive at Screen Yorkshire commented: ‘’The opening of ‘The Yorkshire Studios’ is a significant landmark for the UK film & TV industry.

“The Yorkshire Content Fund has enabled us to secure some incredible projects that have made great use of our existing portfolio of studio space.

“The lack of a larger-scale production facility however, has prevented a number of major long-term film and TV productions from basing themselves here.

“These productions hold huge potential for sustaining the industry’s infrastructure and workforce, so it became clear that securing such a site should be a priority.”

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, said: “The UK represents a tremendous draw for overseas productions thanks to its generous Creative Sector Tax Reliefs, and our world-class crews, locations, talent and facilities.

“Success of course means increased demand, so the significant new studio space at Church Fenton is incredibly welcome news, and I congratulate Screen Yorkshire in their work in helping make it happen.

“It represents a real boost the UK’s existing production infrastructure and will also be an added incentive for domestic and international productions to shoot in the area, and enable them to access the Yorkshire Content Fund.”