Business

Plans unveiled to expand Loop film studios

Plans have been unveiled to expand the Loop Studios in east Belfast
Plans have been unveiled to expand the Loop Studios in east Belfast Plans have been unveiled to expand the Loop Studios in east Belfast

PLANS have been revealed for the expansion of Loop Studios in Belfast, which has previously hosted high-profile films and television series including Game of Thrones and Dracula Untold

The proposals include expanding an existing studio at the site into a new 23,000 sq ft film studio, and the creation of more than 25,000 sq ft of new workshop space.

Located on Castlereagh Road and Prince Regent Road, Loop Studios - which is currently hosting the filming of the Netflix film School For Good and Evil - is currently undergoing a £4m refurbishment which is due to be completed by this summer.

Stuart Draffin of Portbannis who is acting for Loop Studios owners the LCC Group, said: “The news of the expansion is a significant boost for film and TV production in Northern Ireland and a sign that this burgeoning industry is growing steadily.

“This application comes as a response to great encouragement and support from NI Screen and a thorough conversation between the production companies which have been working at the studios and the owners to ensure that the needs of these production companies can be met into the future.”

A public consultation on the plans starts on Monday May 31, running for four weeks.