Published: 07 Dec 2018
Screen Scotland today launches a tender process inviting proposals from private developers to lease, refurbish and operate a permanent world-class film and television production facility at 31 Bath Road (formerly the Pelamis building), Port of Leith, Edinburgh.
Recently host to Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War (2017), the ex-industrial building is situated on a private gated 8.6acre site within the port estate and is owned by Forth Ports Limited. Offering industry standard dimensions, it incorporates adaptable interior shooting options across 160,000 sq ft and potential for 5 sound stages of between 50ft and 100ft in height.
In addition, there is 27,000 sq ft of flexible workshop, production and high-end office space; ample backlot provision allowing for significant production set-builds, and is well serviced by vehicle access doors and tech and unit based parking.
The site presents a fantastic opportunity to increase Scotland’s screen infrastructure, and capitalise on the unprecedented production boom, which will have a hugely positive impact on our screen sector and the wider economy.- Isabel Davis, Executive Director
Full details of the tender, along with timescales, can be found on the Screen Scotland website at www.screen.scot/studio.
The final deadline for noting interest and submission of queries is 12 noon on 22 January 2019. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on 1 February 2019.
Isabel Davis, Executive Director, Screen Scotland said: “The enormous potential of 31 Bath Road was demonstrated when it hosted Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War last year. Its scale, accessibility, proximity to crew and central Edinburgh and its ability to be rapidly adapted make it a highly attractive proposition and one that could swiftly provide a home in Scotland for large scale productions.
“Screen Scotland is firmly committed to supporting the growth of the screen sector to be a global screen leader. The site presents a fantastic opportunity to increase Scotland’s screen infrastructure, and capitalise on the unprecedented production boom, which will have a hugely positive impact on our screen sector and the wider economy.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said: “The Scottish Government is focused on strengthening our screen sector and creating the conditions to support continued growth across production, development, talent and skills.
“We have significantly increased our funding for screen this year and supported the launch of Screen Scotland, which brings together public sector support for the industry.
“We welcome the launch of this tender process, which aims to enhance Scotland’s screen infrastructure and give private sector operators an opportunity to invest in Scotland’s growing screen sector.”
Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer from Forth Ports said: “Our support for Scottish industry does not stop at the quayside and we are thrilled that Screen Scotland has chosen the Port of Leith as the location to expand Scotland’s studio provision. This building has been popular with the creative industry recently with Avengers: Infinity War using 31 Bath Road as a studio space.
“As Scotland’s capital port and a major economic driver for Edinburgh with the capability to handle in excess of 1million tonnes of cargo over the quayside annually, we are no strangers to hosting big and ambitious projects.”
Robert Wilson, Chair of Creative Scotland said: “I speak on behalf of the Board of Creative Scotland when I say how pleased I am to have reached this milestone moment. A significant amount of work, from a large number of people, has enabled us to get to this stage. With the continued support of the Scottish Government, I’m delighted that we are now able to take this critical step in our continued support for the growth of Scotland’s screen sector, which goes from strength to strength.”
Today’s announcement represents a vital component in Screen Scotland’s wider vision to drive ambitious growth across all aspects of the film and tv sector, Scotland has doubled its investment to £20million to increase our international competitiveness and better serve the local sector.
This doubling of resources and a shared strategic vision through the establishment of the new Screen Scotland partnership means Scotland is in a strong position for the country’s film and tv sector to fulfil its potential, and to create a highly attractive environment for indigenous and incoming creative companies and productions.
