Plans have been revealed for a purpose-built film studio in Hull, including a 19,700 sq ft soundstage.

The proposed development by Hull-based Northern Films – a planning application is due to be submitted soon – is for a vacant site on the Priory Park industrial estate, and aims to consolidate Hull’s location-filming appeal.

The facility, to be known as Studio 9, would also include office space, temporary crew accommodation, office space and a joinery and fabrication workshop.

Northern Films already has a studio (Studio 8) in Saltmarsh Court on the same industrial estate – the new space would sit alongside it. Any visiting production companies wishing to hire the studio would have to agree to hire some local, entry-level staff.

Northern Films director Andrew Fenton said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London.

“We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull. We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction.

“The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”

He added: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us.

“A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London. “Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.

“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience.

“We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.

“Most soundstage facilities are usually landlord-operated and are just spaces to hire out with  very limited opportunities for local people. However, this building will not be allowed to be hired in full by an out-of-town production unless it agrees to include a certain percentage of local skills.

“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”

Northern Films’ next release is feature film The Last Trip, about the local Hull fishing trade.

All images via Northern Films.