Major television and film studio set for Glasgow

Council bosses have approved plans to develop a £11.9M TV and film production facility within Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall, delivering a huge boost to the city’s 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 to 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.

“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 £7.9M 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.

Since first opening as an exhibition venue in 1927, Kelvin Hall has hosted a wide range of events and been a fixture of the city’s cultural and sporting scenes.