The UK’s Pinewood Studios has approved plans for a 1.4 million ft2 expansion from Buckinghamshire council, which will render it the biggest studio complex in the world, boasting a total of 51 purpose-build stages.

The expansion will deliver 21 new purpose-built sound stages, a backlot filming space, education and training hub and a publicly accessible nature reserve.

It is estimated that this expansion will create over 8,000 jobs and inject £640m a year into the UK economy.

Qingdao in China is the largest studio complex in the world currently, with 40 sound stages. 

The consent allows Pinewood to deliver a 63-acre nature reserve at Alderbourne Farm north of the existing studio site. The publicly accessible reserve will protect existing habitats and enhance local biodiversity,

Andrew Smith, Pinewood group corporate affairs director, said: “We’re delighted Buckinghamshire council has approved our plans for the expansion of Pinewood Studios and new nature reserve at Alderbourne Farm. This development will provide invaluable resources to the British film and TV sector, consolidate Pinewood’s status as the UK’s leading production site, deliver significant benefits to our local community and encourage new talent to join the industry.”