The main phase of the £15.6 million project to expand Elstree Studios in Borehamwood began this week with Hertsmere’s MP visiting to mark the occasion.

The plans involve building two new sound stages and ancillary workshops on the site of the former Big Brother house, which will also create at least 800 new jobs, apprenticeships and other learning opportunities.

As part of the deal £100,000 per year from the rental income received by the council will be invested locally into creative industries.

Elstree Studios’ managing director, Roger Morris, said: “This is the first new stage build on the Elstree Studios site in over 20 years. It will be there to satisfy client demand for stage space.

Borehamwood Times: Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, right, was present for the start of the main phase of work.Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, right, was present for the start of the main phase of work.

“The new stages will be built to a very high specification, similar to our successful George Lucas stages, and will benefit from the appropriate infrastructure already in place for the Film and TV industry at Elstree Studios.”

Upon completion there will be nine available stages which will be next door to the Elstree Studios backlot where Netflix’s The Crown series five is about to begin filming.

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who is also secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, was among those present as work began, as was borough council leader Morris Bright.

Cllr Bright said: “This is a thrilling moment for Elstree Studios, its owners, Hertsmere Borough Council and all the partners involved in this project.

Borehamwood Times: A mock-up of the plans for Borehamwood's Elstree Studios.A mock-up of the plans for Borehamwood's Elstree Studios.

"The creation of these two new soundstages and ancillary workshops will result in at least 800 new jobs, plus 120 new learner and apprenticeship opportunities.

“It represents a huge boost for our local economy and ensures new and exciting opportunities ahead for our residents and businesses.”

He continued: "Coupled with the creation of the multi-million pound Sky Studios Elstree down the road, this project reinforces Hertsmere’s status as the number-one home for film and TV production.

"It means that Hertsmere well and truly deserves to be known as 'British Hollywood', something we should all feel proud about.”

Councillors met on Wednesday, May 19, to approve the award of the contract to R. G. Carter Construction.

Borehamwood Times: Work on the main phase of the plans began this week.Work on the main phase of the plans began this week.

In addition, councillors agreed to an increase of £2.2 million for the build, mainly due to construction material price increases.

Plans for a new electricity sub-station and enhanced acoustics at the site were also approved, bringing the total project cost to £15.6million.

The project has been part-funded by a £6 million Getting Building Fund investment from the government and Hertfordshire LEP.

David Conway, Hertfordshire LEP board member, said: “Our investment towards the expansion of Elstree Studios is a major vote of confidence in Hertfordshire’s thriving creative cluster and will not only boost the studio but also the vast network of businesses and multitude of jobs which supports its success.”