Article Source: Glasgow City Council
Last Updated: 16 January 2021 14:21
Council bosses have approved plans to develop a £11.9million production facility within the city's historic Kelvin Hall with substantial support of up to £7.9million from the Scottish Government - delivering a huge boost to the city's dynamic screen and creative sectors.
It is anticipated the first part of the new screen hub will be ready to open later this year; with discussions already well advanced with potential tenants.
Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow's creative industries are hugely important not only to the city's economy; but also its culture and its national and international profile.
“The city is home to an incredible community of independent producers; with access to an enviable pipeline of young talent.
“We know they are in demand all over the country and, often, the world - but we also know that, here at home, there is a relative lack of the kind of studio space they need to be able to win higher-value commissions.
“This exciting plan for the Kelvin Hall will not only establish that kind of facility, but do it right in the heart of the city. It shows how serious Glasgow is about fostering and building on a well-deserved reputation as centre of excellence in television production.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Glasgow's plans to create studios at its iconic Kelvin Hall with up to £7.9 million of funding from the Scottish Government is a unique opportunity and builds on Scotland's ambition to drive growth across all aspects of the film and TV sector.
“This new development would support the city's thriving creative industries sector, help develop our skills base and attract film and TV productions, creating significant social and economic benefits for Scotland as part of our economic recovery.”
The screen sector is already estimated to be worth up to £500m to Scotland each year, with around 60% of that in Glasgow.
However, recent changes to how public service broadcasters commission programmes, laid down by industry regulator Ofcom, mean there are now huge opportunities for creative centres outside London to grow.
Glasgow has already landed one big prize, successfully bidding for one of two new commissioning hubs created by Channel 4 - with a pitch that made much of the strength of the city's independent production sector.
Establishing the new facilities at Kelvin Hall would begin to address a lack of studio space that, up until now, has been a significant barrier to bringing larger productions to the city and Scotland - including higher-budget scripted and entertainment commissions.
Councillor Aitken said: “Glasgow and Scotland have a great reputation for producing some of the best and most successful factual programming in the country - but we don't have the right kind of production space to compete for big-budget entertainment and drama productions.
“In fact, right now, there are projects that originate in Scotland that are forced to relocate to Manchester and London - and that risks drawing talent and skilled jobs away from the city.
“This is our chance to keep that talent, those jobs and real opportunities for our next generation of creative Glaswegians right here.”
The project can also provide a boost to Glasgow's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID has resulted in an increased demand for production facilities in the UK, making this the ideal time to invest in a bespoke entertainment multi-camera studio - providing an immediate stimulus to the construction sector and acting as a catalyst for further inclusive growth in the creative industries.
Early design work for the project is already underway and it is estimated that a total budget of approximately £11.9million will be required.
Today, the council's City Administration Committee agreed to provide £4million of that, with borrowing costs covered by rental income. This will secure the core studio 'box' and screen production facilities.
Scottish Government, through Screen Scotland, will provide up to £7.9 million in financial support for the project, subject to a long-term tenant being secured for the facility.
Kelvin Hall
Since first opening as an exhibition venue in 1927, the Kelvin Hall has hosted an extraordinary range of events and been a fixture of the city's cultural and sporting scenes.
For a generation of Glaswegians, it is perhaps most familiar as the former home of the city's transport museum.
Although it has been superseded in most of these roles by new, dedicated venues over recent decades; the refurbished Kelvin Hall remains a very important part of the city's cultural and sporting estate.
A partnership between Glasgow Life, the University of Glasgow and the National Library of Scotland has transformed part of the venue into a centre of cultural excellence - providing access to collections, temporary displays, teaching and research, alongside a state-of-the-art Glasgow Club health and fitness centre.
Opened in Spring 2023, the Glasgow city centre venue has become a hub for creative organisations, engagement work, and life-changing education initiatives in the city.
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MORECharity Super.Mkt, the 'department store for second-hand style' launched a year ago by Maria Chenoweth and Wayne Hemingway, will open its 17th location with a prime spot inside Buchanan Galleries!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREEllie Leach, reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, will make her stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2!
READ MOREThe exclusive 4-year deal will see fan-favourites like Pravha, Madri Excepcional and more on tap at Scotland's home of live entertainment.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has officially kicked off with a first look at the event's new boujee bar Courtyard Bar and event space in the stunning surroundings of Princes Square.
READ MORE34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.
READ MOREBritish fashion label AllSaints has joined the line-up at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn, representing a fashion coup for the centre.
READ MOREGlasgow's most popular brunch series, VEGA's Brunch Project, will bring all of the 90s nostalgia and Ibiza island vibes to the city centre this spring for sky-high boujee brunches like no other.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to celebrate National Tea Day with a complimentary gift of tea and biscuits from the popular tea store, Whittard of Chelsea at Buchanan Galleries.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival on the Isle of Bute, has confirmed the lineup for this year's edition, set to take place between Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July.
READ MOREAye Write has confirmed stand-alone events and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write in 2024, instead of the full festival going ahead.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has unveiled a series of cocktail trails mapping out the very best discounted drinks across the city including its first ever 'No and Low' trail.
READ MOREScotland's home of country, Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo, is inviting folk to grab the mic at its new Sunday afternoon event – The Hoedown Hoe-K-Oke, launching Sunday 5th May!
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREBroadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Glasgow in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MOREThe People's Palace, Glasgow will close its doors for the final time on Sunday 14th April, ahead of a major refurbishment.
READ MOREDon't miss out on the Baby & Toddler Show when it returns to Glasgow at the SEC, Glasgow on 19th - 21st April!
READ MOREThe Theatre Royal, Glasgow is one the latest venues set to see the National Theatre's global smash-hit production of War Horse visit as part of a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREWith a new season brings new flavours and Glasgow Restaurant Week is set to shine a spotlight on the very best dishes and delights the city has to offer, when it kicks off tomorrow!
READ MOREFollowing its purchase by M Core in February, Buchanan Street’s iconic Princes Square has announced a trio of new tenants who will be opening stores in the centre.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREA project set up to ensure culture and heritage are at the heart of the regeneration of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street has secured a significant grant to help achieve its vision.
READ MOREEnergy efficiency will take centre stage at this year’s Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Fleming Homes, when it returns to the SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"