Film village could bring world-class shows to town

Hartlepool is on the verge of becoming a significant hub for film and television production with plans to establish a new production village. This initiative aims to transform the town into a vibrant center for world-class productions, according to the developers involved. The proposed film production village is set to be located in the Lynn Street and Whitby Street area, alongside the expansion of The Northern Studios complex. North East Screen's chief executive, Alison Gwynne, expressed optimism that these projects would not only enhance the local creative industries but also provide valuable job opportunities for residents who have previously had to leave the region to pursue careers in the industry. The Hartlepool Borough Council is spearheading the production village project and has secured £16. 5 million from the Levelling Up Fund to support its development. Council leader Brenda Harrison emphasized the importance of this project, stating that it aligns with the council's goals of creating jobs, attracting investment, and revitalizing the town. The expansion of The Northern Studios is also set to receive funding, with £15 million allocated from the Tees Valley Investment Zone, which has a total of £160 million earmarked to boost the creative and digital sectors. The Northern Studios is currently the only large-scale film and TV studio in the North East and has played a role in producing notable works, including the feature film and BBC comedy Smoggie Queens. The studios are conveniently located next to the Northern School of Art, which offers training courses for those interested in creative careers. Principal Martin Raby highlighted the potential economic benefits of these projects, stating that they would provide work experience opportunities for students and enhance employment prospects for graduates. To inform the public about these exciting developments, two consultation events are scheduled for this week. The first event will take place on April 15 at The Northern Studios, followed by a second event on April 16 at the former H&M unit in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre. Both events will run from 12:00 to 19:00 BST, providing an opportunity for community members to learn more about the projects and share their thoughts.