A “huge, internationally recognised production company” is to film in Liverpool for the next seven months.
Liverpool Council has signed off on a 33-week lease to be issued for a shoot at the pop-up studios at The Depot on Edge Lane. After securing a series of smaller licence agreements for various television commercials, a lengthy agreement has been green lit by the local authority cabinet this morning.
The Depot, which opened last year to the tune of almost £4m, has until 2026 to make the cost of the build back before the revenue and capital levels drop to their traditional use as industrial/commercial accommodation. The retention of the asset as film and television production premises will be subject to the performance measures of the scheme based on relative financial, social, and environmental successes.
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It was said that not signing off the lease would not allow the council to meet its required repayment terms for the scheme and there would be no potential for profit from future revenue receipts. There would also be no prospect of regeneration benefits for the immediate or wider community from this scheme.
Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, said The Depot had begun turning heads in the industry since it opened in 2021. He said: “It has already gained significant interest from national and international companies and institutions.
“Just recently we were visited by Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, who was really impressed with the work we’ve done to provide space for film and TV in the city. This will be a significant return on investment which will see a huge, internationally recognised production company come to this city.
“It’s going to put Liverpool on the map and this was a wise investment.” All lettings at The Depot must be signed off by the commissioners appointed to oversee the city, including the smaller licences that were used to “test the performance of the studios and to gain traction and credibility in the sector.”
The letting will commence from June according to a report submitted to the cabinet.
