News / bottle yard studios
Film studios could be sold by the council
The future ownership of the largest film and TV studio in the West of England is up for debate, after councillors have been asked to agree to a process to identify a purchaser to “maximise future investment opportunities”.
Councillors will discuss The future of the Bottle Yard Studios at the next strategy and resources policy committee, on September 16.
The Hengrove based studio, is currently owned by the council, and has received a “steady investment” from them, since its opening in 2010.
is needed now More than ever
The studios has hosted hit shows like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, The Outlaws and The Killing Kind in recent years.
Latest figures from Bristol Film Office show that film and high end TV production at The Bottle Yard Studios and on location in Bristol contributes more than £20m per year to Bristol’s economy.
In 2022, the Studios expanded from 8 stages to 11, with the opening of its second facility TBY2, backed by investment by the West of England Authority. As well as providing over 135 jobs during development works, more than 860 jobs have been forecast to be created over the next 10 years through an accompanying Workforce Development Programme.
The studios has placed sustainability at the heart of its growth over the years, winning industry awards for its focus on renewable energy at its newer facility TBY2, which offers fully sound-proofed shooting space with a power supply supported by the largest community-owned solar rooftop array in the UK.
Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council and chair of the strategy and resources policy committee, says that he and the committee want to “explore how to grow investment and deliver the most for Bristol.”
He said: “The Bottle Yard Studios began as a regeneration project aimed at stimulating economic and social benefits that could benefit the city whilst providing vital new facilities for the regional film and TV sector.
“The success of the studios over the past 14 years is almost unparalleled with the facility returning on investment many times over through the creation of hundreds of jobs through the sector and being a primary stimulator of millions of pounds of inward investment to the city.
“Now we’re seeing a change in the sector market and an evolution in the ownership models of studios across the country, it’s the right time for the council to consider the best future course for the facility. We’ve seen the huge potential the studios possess to drive economic and social value for the city and to be a focal point for the UK’s TV and film industry.
“What I and my colleagues on the committee now want to do is to explore how to grow investment and deliver the most for Bristol.”
Councillors are being asked to consider several factors before coming to a conclusion on the future of the facility, with Council Officers recommending that they give strong consideration to identifying a purchaser for the long leasehold of the studios to unlock greater investment opportunities, and help in expanding the sector, creating potential jobs and enhancing social value associated with the facility.
Ahead of the committee, the Bristol City Council’s Head of Film who oversees the Studios, Laura Aviles, said: “I’m pleased that the future of The Bottle Yard is being placed high on the agenda by Council leaders. There is absolutely no doubt that the Studios have had a transformative effect on the film and TV industry in Bristol and the West.
“This success can be seen in the thriving workplace it provides for hundreds of crew and creative professionals each day, the tight-knit community of specialist companies resident on site, and a strong booking slate stretching into 2025/26.
“Since expanding two years ago, our reputation has been further elevated amongst leading UK and US producers, commissioners and streamers. I want to ensure The Bottle Yard continues to achieve its full potential into the future.”
Main photo: The Bottle Yard Studios
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