Getting a green light for Sky Studios Elstree

Sky has received planning permission to proceed with its new studio in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire following a unanimous decision by Hertsmere Borough Council. Stantec were an integral part of the team that supported the successful application.

Sky Studios Elstree will be the UK’s new state-of-the-art film and TV studio that will eventually cover an area the size of 17 football pitches. The site will include 12 sound stages, with the ability to merge together and sub-divide to accommodate productions of all sizes.

Stantec was appointed to help Legal & General and Sky make the studio of the future a reality and it has been a privilege to be involved in such an exciting project. The sheer size of the scheme meant there were challenges to overcome, not least diverting a river that runs through the site, but the Stantec team has helped the clients realise their vision as well as securing permission for construction to start.

Stantec has provided multi-disciplinary services including transport, flood risk, highways engineering and ecology. The team are currently leading on the engineering design of highway S278 works, a new temporary bridge for enabling works, and are managing applications for the diversion of the main river and flood risk activity permits.

Sky Studios Elstree represents a significant investment in the UK and European creative economy and Legal & General will work with NBCUniversal and Sky to develop the scheme. It will have a positive economic impact on surrounding communities, leading to the creation of over 2,000 jobs in the local area, including 900 during the construction phase and 1,500 once the studio is operational. It is expected that the construction phase of the build will contribute £230 million to UK GDP during 2020 – 2021.  

Sky Studios Elstree aims to become the most sustainable film and TV production site in the world when it opens in 2022. Several sustainability measures have been considered and the studio aims to generate 20% of its own energy onsite through solar energy. Green spaces and landscaping have been incorporated into the design, no gas or fossil fuels will be used to power day-to-day operations, and Sky will also harvest rainwater for use on site.

Work to clear the site ready for construction begins this month and will commence with strict safety and social distancing guidelines.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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Media Contact                                               
Jody Prescott                                                             
Stantec Media Relations                               
Ph: (44) 1189-520670                                       
jody.prescott@stantec.com