Screen Scotland has announced that the new film and TV production facility will be at 31 Bath Road in Leith.
It is a large building which was home to the former wave energy company Pelamis and so is a large scale building of 160,000 square feet where the organisation hopes to create five sound stages of up to 100 feet high.
As well as the building there is room on the site for workshop, production and high end office space. With room outdoors for unit based parking there is also good access for vehicles.
Today the tender process has been opened to organisations who wish to lease the premises from Screen Scotland (they are owned by Forth Ports Authority), pay for and carry out the renovation of the building and then operate it as a studio.
The hope is that the move will create inward investment in films and grow Scotland’s screen production industry.In the last ten years spend on TV and film in Scotland has increased more than 300 per cent. The First Minister said at the Scottish BAFTAs just last month that an announcement was imminent.
Isabel Davis, executive director, Screen Scotland, said: “The enormous potential of 31 Bath Road was demonstrated when it hosted Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War last year. Its scale, accessibility, proximity to crew and central Edinburgh and its ability to be rapidly adapted make it a highly attractive proposition and one that could swiftly provide a home in Scotland for large0scale productions.
“Screen Scotland is firmly committed to supporting the growth of the screen sector to be a global screen leader. The site presents a fantastic opportunity to increase Scotland’s screen infrastructure, and capitalise on the unprecedented production boom, which will have a hugely positive impact on our screen sector and the wider economy.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “The Scottish Government is focused on strengthening our screen sector and creating the conditions to support continued growth across production, development, talent and skills.
“We have significantly increased our funding for screen this year and supported the launch of Screen Scotland, which brings together public sector support for the industry.
“We welcome the launch of this tender process, which aims to enhance Scotland’s screen infrastructure and give private sector operators an opportunity to invest in Scotland’s growing screen sector.”
Stuart Wallace, chief operating officer from Forth Ports, said: “Our support for Scottish industry does not stop at the quayside and we are thrilled that Screen Scotland has chosen the Port of Leith as the location to expand Scotland’s studio provision. This building has been popular with the creative industry recently with Avengers: Infinity War using 31 Bath Road as a studio space.
“As Scotland’s capital port and a major economic driver for Edinburgh with the capability to handle in excess of one million tonnes of cargo over the quayside annually, we are no strangers to hosting big and ambitious projects.”
Today’s announcement represents a vital component in Screen Scotland’s wider vision to drive ambitious growth across all aspects of the film and tv sector, Scotland has doubled its investment to £20million to increase our international competitiveness and better serve the local sector.
This doubling of resources and a shared strategic vision through the establishment of the new Screen Scotland partnership means Scotland is in a strong position for the country’s film and tv sector to fulfil its potential, and to create a highly attractive environment for indigenous and incoming creative companies and productions.
Robert Wilson, chair, Creative Scotland, said: “I speak on behalf of the Board of Creative Scotland when I say how pleased I am to have reached this milestone moment.
“A significant amount of work, from a large number of people, has enabled us to get to this stage. With the continued support of the Scottish Government, I’m delighted that we are now able to take this critical step in our continued support for the growth of Scotland’s screen sector, which goes from strength to strength.”
Deidre Brock MP for Edinburgh North and Leith said: “I’m hugely excited that Leith is set to be a centre for film-making in Scotland. Leith is the perfect fit for film – heaps of creative talent, a distinct, vibrant character and lots of iconic settings all on its doorstep.
“The Big Blue Shed will make a brilliant base for productions of all shapes and sizes – it’s a very generous space within Leith’s creative hub. The shed was once home to Pelamis Wave Power and I can’t wait to see it buzzing with a different kind of energy.
“Film and TV productions don’t just bring jobs to the creative industries; this will have a knock-on impact for other skilled tradespeople, for local cafes and bars in Leith and for the wider tourism sector.
“It’s great that we have a forward-thinking Scottish Government that recognises the value of bringing productions to Scotland and boosting our home-grown talent.
“Since the plans for a new studio were first mooted I’ve been making the case for Leith. I’m delighted it’s going to happen!”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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