Too infinity and beyond! Expansion to internationally esteemed film studios.
Following the success of the first phase of Belfast Harbour Film Studios at Giant’s Park, RPP Architects were appointed by Belfast Harbour Commissioners to design a second phase of film studios, workshops and offices to significantly expand and contribute to the ongoing success of the Northern Ireland film industry.
Construction of Phase Two commenced in 2022 and comprises three main separate buildings: a large studio building, Studio Ulster, and a production workshop as an extension to the existing secure 8ha phase one site at the North Foreshore Site, with a total floor area in excess of 180,000sqft (~16,750sqm).
The new Phase Two studio building contains two large purpose-built sound stages, each over 20,000sqft (~1,900sqm), designed with exceptional acoustic performance, high-level walkways and rigging gantries with power, lighting and internal environment options to suit the full spectrum of film production uses. The building also contains connected offices, multi-functional rehearsal and production spaces and ancillary facilities.
The Studio Ulster building is supported by a £25.2million Belfast Region City Deal investment announced in September 2022. Developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, Studio Ulster will be a unique, large-scale virtual production studio complex with world-class commercial stages, supported by an integrated R&D centre of excellence for real-time and virtual production.
Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “We are excited to be working with our partners to deliver this significant investment for the Northern Ireland film industry, which underlines our ongoing ambition to be a major economic hub for the region and create the largest European media hub outside of London. The UK market for film and content production has continued to strengthen and this project will serve to further increase Northern Ireland’s global competitiveness in the creative industries sector and help to attract leading production companies to both the traditional stages and the virtual production facility.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Virtual production has really shaken up the screen industries and Studio Ulster will be transformative for our industry here in Northern Ireland. Providing state-of-the-art production, studio and R&D facilities will help considerably in ensuring that Northern Ireland retains its position as a global leader in international screen production. Virtual production will also help create a much more sustainable industry. The training and skills development opportunities Studio Ulster offers will expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet clearly expressed industry needs. It is wonderful to see education and industry across the public and private sectors joining forces to bring such an innovative project to life.”
Construction is expected to be completed in 2024.
