A major new television and film studio is set to be created in the West End of Glasgow.
Glasgow city council has revealed plans to develop a £11.9 million production facility within the city’s historic Kelvin Hall.
Support of up to £7.9 million will come from the Scottish Government – delivering a huge boost to the city’s screen and creative sectors.
It is anticipated the first part of the new screen hub will be ready to open later this year.
Discussions are said to be already well advanced with potential tenants.
Members will be asked to give the project the green light at a meeting Thursday [14 January].
Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow’s creative industries are hugely important not only to the city’s economy; but also its culture and its national and international profile.
“The city is home to an incredible community of independent producers; with access to an enviable pipeline of young talent.
“We know they are in demand all over the country and, often, the world – but we also know that, here at home, there is a relative lack of the kind of studio space they need to be able to win higher-value commissions.
“This exciting plan for the Kelvin Hall will not only establish that kind of facility, but do it right in the heart of the city.
“It shows how serious Glasgow is about fostering and building on a well-deserved reputation as centre of excellence in television production.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Glasgow’s plans to create studios at its iconic Kelvin Hall with up to £7.9 million of funding from the Scottish Government is a unique opportunity and builds on Scotland’s ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.
“This new development would support the city’s thriving creative industries sector, help develop our skills base and attract film and TV productions, creating significant social and economic benefits for Scotland as part of our economic recovery.”
The screen sector is estimated to be worth up to £500m to Scotland each year, with around 60% of that in Glasgow.
The city council says there are opportunities to grow the industry further following recent changes to the way public service broadcasters commission programmes.
The council says establishing the new facilities at Kelvin Hall would begin to address a lack of studio space that has been a significant barrier to bringing larger productions to the city and Scotland – including higher-budget scripted and entertainment commissions.
The plans come after Glasgow successfully bid for one of two new commissioning hubs created by Channel 4.
Kelvin Hall first opened as an exhibition venue in 1927.
In recent years, a partnership between Glasgow Life, the University of Glasgow and the National Library of Scotland has transformed part of the venue.
A state-of-the-art Glasgow Club health and fitness centre sits alongside historical collections, temporary displays, and teaching and research facilities.
The new studio facilities will be established in part of the complex that is currently vacant.
