A final decision on the sale will be made at a later date

At an extraordinary Bristol City Council committee meeting yesterday, 14 October, approval was granted for the sale of the long leasehold of The Bottle Yard Studios.

Councillors on the Strategy and Resources policy committee voted six to three in favour of officer recommendations to retain the freehold of the site but negotiate a deal with a preferred bidder for the long leasehold interest.

Councillors accepted an amendment to ensure that the final decision on sale would be considered by the committee at a later date. The Bottle Yard is the only studio site in the UK to be owned by a local authority, with the latest figures from Bristol Film Office showing that film and HETV production at The Bottle Yard Studios – and on location in Bristol – is now worth more than £20m per year to Bristol’s economy.

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council and chair of the Strategy and Resources policy committee, said: “Today’s vote is an important one for not only the city’s Film and TV industry but for the sector across the region and further afield.

“The Bottle Yard Studios has been one of the most prominent drivers in the international success of our local industry and a catalyst for new jobs and opportunity along the sector supply chain. Bristol’s place on the international Film and TV map is firmly established and the benefits to the local economy are writ large.

“The discussion we’ve had with officers and my fellow committee members has identified that despite the studios’ success, the current ownership model means it has hit a glass ceiling. As the only local authority managed production studio in the country, certain opportunities are beyond the facility meaning the brakes are gently squeezed on the potential economic, social and reputational value The Bottle Yard Studios could deliver for the city.

“It’s clear that by unlocking the potential of private investment, that potential has a greater chance of being realised and the opportunity for more jobs, economic returns for the city, and bigger and larger Bristol productions appearing on our screens.

“Each member of the committee is aware of some concerns raised about the move towards selling the long leasehold and I welcome the opportunity afforded to us to air these thoughts and discuss each with officers. Today’s meeting is the culmination of nearly two years’ work to explore the options for growing the studios and delivering greater benefits to the regional sector and the city.

“Officers have kept directly employed staff informed of the proposals and engaged with the unions representing this group. Now we are able to move forward, officers have been instructed to pursue negotiating a deal that secures the long term future of The Bottle Yard Studios as a film and TV studios for the region.”

Laura Aviles, Bristol City Council’s head of film who oversees the Bottle Yard Studios, said: “This decision marks a positive step forward for The Bottle Yard Studios and the wider film and TV industry in Bristol and the South West.

“The trajectory of growth we have seen in the Studios’ national and international reputation, evidenced by the increasing volume, budget and calibre of productions it attracts to the region, is clear. This upward trend can be further boosted by the private investment opportunities that will now be fully explored. For the operational team at the Studios and the productions, business tenants, crew and companies we support on site every day, it will be ‘business as usual’ throughout this process.

“With a strong booking slate stretching into 2025/26, we are committed to ensuring The Bottle Yard continues to deliver for the region’s film industry as a thriving studio hub, to the benefit of local creative industry professionals working in the wide range of roles associated with film and TV production.”

The chosen bidder will be granted exclusivity and due diligence will then be undertaken, currently scheduled for winter 2024.

Actors union Equity had been running a campaign against the studio sale, criticising the process for a lack of transparency and saying: “The workforce has a real concern that there are no guarantees to ensure the studios cannot be sold off for other purposes if there is a short-term downturn for whoever owns the Bottle Yard Studios in 10 years’ time.”

Reacting to last night’s news, Lynda Rooke, president of Equity, said: “We’re pleased that Councillors will retain oversight and control of any sale, but we’re disappointed by Bristol City Council’s vote not to pause their decision to sell Bottle Yard Studios. Our fears over the lack of transparency and scrutiny of the sale remain and we will continue to lobby the Council to ensure the long-term impact of any sale on our members in Bristol – and the wider film and TV industry – are considered.

“The studios are a culturally important local asset but under the current sale terms, the use of the space as a film studio will only be protected for the next ten years. The Council’s decision not to delay and allow time to consider all options for its future could end up being incredibly damaging down the line. We will continue our campaign to ensure that any sale considers the impact on creative jobs and the city – which is designated a UNESCO City of Film – and the wider region.”