Warner Bros is planning a significant expansion of its Leavesden studios, located near London, which will increase its production capacity by more than 50%. The expanded facility will become the new home for DC Studios, marking a major development in the film industry. This expansion will involve the addition of 10 new sound stages to Leavesden, which has previously been the filming location for popular productions like the Barbie blockbuster and HBO's "House of the Dragon."
Warner Bros is widely recognized for its involvement in the Harry Potter film franchise, and the studio's fan tours have become a prominent tourist attraction. The expansion project will encompass an additional 37,000 square meters of production and support space, enhancing the studio's capabilities.
One of the notable aspects of this expansion is the expected economic impact. The project is projected to generate around 4,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, throughout the UK. Additionally, Leavesden's contribution to the UK economy is anticipated to increase by over £200 million, according to Warner Bros Discovery.
Groundbreaking for the expansion project is scheduled to commence next year, with completion expected in 2027. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt praised this significant investment in the UK, describing it as a "huge vote of confidence" in the country's creative industries. He emphasized that the UK's strong creative sector has led to its films and television shows reaching audiences worldwide, citing examples such as Barbie and the House of the Dragon series.