The U.K.’s screen sector is set for another boost in the North East of England. Northern Studios in Hartlepool has locked in a timeline for a $42 million (£33.5 million) expansion that will see the addition of a new production village, designed to attract film and TV projects to the historic coastal town.

The development, approved last month by local officials, will include repairs and renovations to the Grade II–listed Shades building, which will serve as the “arrival point” and “spiritual home” of the village.

According to Hartlepool Borough Council, the project will roll out over the next three years:

• October 2025: Initial demolition and prep work on site assets

• February 2026: Completion of full architectural and engineering designs

• February–July 2026: Tender procurement phase

• August 2026: Construction begins

• November 2027: Build completed

• Spring 2028: Site “operationally ready”

“This approval marks a major milestone for the project,” local officials told the borough council’s economic growth and regeneration committee, calling the production village central to Hartlepool’s regeneration efforts.

The expansion is being spearheaded by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Screen. Funding comes from the U.K. government’s Levelling Up initiative and the Tees Valley Investment Zone Fund.

When complete, the expanded Northern Studios and its adjoining production village are expected to deliver a purpose-built ecosystem for film and television crews, positioning Hartlepool — a town on England’s northeast coast roughly 250 miles from London — as a new hub for the U.K.’s fast-growing screen industries.