Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (WBSL), a cutting-edge film and television studio in the United Kingdom. This expansion positions WBSL to become the primary production hub for DC Studios.
The project will include the construction of 10 new sound stages and an additional 400,000 square feet of production and support space. Groundbreaking for this endeavor, which will increase the production capacity at WBSL by over 50%, is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2024, with completion anticipated in 2027.
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Simon Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, stated, “Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is globally renowned for its exceptional sound stages and facilities. With this planned expansion, which significantly augments our capacity and capabilities, it will serve as the creative home for even more remarkable storytelling across film and television projects. We take pride not only in expanding our productions at Leavesden and designating it as the main hub for DC Studios but also in boosting our contributions to the UK’s creative sector economically and within the community.”
The expansion will increase the total number of sound stages from 19 to 29 and expand the overall production space from 1.14 million square feet to 1.78 million square feet. Recent film and television productions filmed on WBSL soundstages include the global sensation Barbie, HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon, and the upcoming film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. DC Studios Co-Chairmen and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran will collaborate with the expansion team to ensure that their concepts are incorporated into the new studio and production facilities.
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This expansion plan will further bolster WBSL’s positive economic impact on the Leavesden community and throughout the United Kingdom. It is projected that the expansion will lead to the creation of an additional 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK and elevate WBSL’s contribution to the UK economy by more than £200 million, raising the total value of film and television production at WBSL to over £600 million annually.
Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, expressed his support, saying, “Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambitious plan to expand its Leavesden studio is a significant vote of confidence in the UK. It will create thousands of jobs and contribute to the growth of our economy. British-made entertainment will continue to captivate and entertain global audiences.”
The expansion plan was developed in close consultation with Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. WBD remains committed to skills development through CrewHQ, an initiative set to launch later this year.
This initiative will nurture workforce development in film and television production, with an on-site training center at WBSL supporting existing crew, creating career pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and cultivating the next generation of talent using the wealth of industry expertise on-site. CrewHQ will also back regional skills programs, outreach educational support, careers events, and entry-level training.
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