Film studio expansion plans approved

Derelict buildings near Northern Studios will be redeveloped into production facilities

Plans to expand a film and TV production facility have been approved.

Culture chiefs hope the work at Northern Studios in Hartlepool and the creation of the Screen Industries Production Village will bolster the north-east of England's film-making sector.

The £33.5m development will see a number of derelict buildings surrounding the complex brought back into use to create pre and post production facilities.

Planning agents said they hoped the scheme would create 131 jobs and be "operationally ready" by spring 2028.

Construction is expected to start in the next few months on the government-funded project, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ben Houchen, the Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, said the new facilities will deliver "something truly transformational for the town and wider region".

Hartlepool Borough Council Labour councillor Pamela Hargreaves claimed this was a "once in a generation opportunity for the town".

North East Screen chief executive Alison Gwynn previously said the development of the studios will allow the region to attract more productions.

"The North East continues to be the fastest growing region for TV and film and projects like this will only strengthen our ability to host global productions," she said.