Proposed sale of Bottle Yard studios approved
The site in Hengrove has helped produce shows including Sherlock, Broadchurch and Poldark
Approval has been given for councillors to move forward with the proposed sale of the Bottle Yard film studios in Bristol.
Councillors on the Strategy and Resources policy committee voted six to three in favour of officer recommendations to retain the freehold of the site but negotiate a deal with a preferred bidder for the long leasehold interest.
Permission to begin the process of sale was given following a discussion amongst councillors about the opportunity to continue the growth of the studios, which have become a cornerstone of the regional TV and Film industry’s success over recent years.
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources policy committee, said: “Today’s vote is an important one for not only the city’s Film and TV industry but for the sector across the region and further afield.
“The discussion we’ve had with officers and my fellow committee members has identified that despite the studios’ success, the current ownership model means it has hit a glass ceiling.
"As the only local authority managed production studio in the country, certain opportunities are beyond the facility meaning the brakes are gently squeezed on the potential economic, social and reputational value The Bottle Yard Studios could deliver for the city.
"It’s clear that by unlocking the potential of private investment, that potential has a greater chance of being realised and the opportunity for more jobs, economic returns for the city, and bigger and larger Bristol productions appearing on our screens."
The facility, based in Hengrove, is a leading film and TV studio facility in the West of England and is a cornerstone of Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation. The Bottle Yard Studios have helped produce programmes such as Sherlock, Broadchurch and Poldark.
The selected bidder will be granted exclusivity and trigger further due diligence, currently scheduled for Winter 2024.
The union Equity has heavily criticised the move, labelling it a 'fire sale'.
Rachael Fagan, Bristol-based actress and Equity South West Councillor (elected member serving on the union’s governing body), said: “It was positive to meet with Bristol City Council this afternoon and we welcome the engagement, but the meeting confirmed many of our fears that proper scrutiny and accountability have not been applied to the decision around Bottle Yard Studios."
“Bristol prides itself as a designated UNESCO City of Film, but that status – and the importance of job creation for local and wider British productions is not being considered. This is a culturally important local asset that the Council chose to buy and invest in.
“The current course of action feels like a fire sale and one that would rob Bristol of a valued asset of both cultural and economic significance. It’s a decision that affects thousands of our workers and it impacts jobs in the city so we’re asking Councillors to pause and ensure all options are considered to protect jobs and the wider cultural sector.”