It will enable Production Park to attract more large-scale stage and screen productions, delivering two new state-of-the-art studios, additional space for supply-chain vendors, and expanded training and education facilities. The project underscores Production Park’s ongoing commitment to regional regeneration, job creation and supporting the UK’s creative industries, which contribute over £124 billion to the economy.
The new purpose-built studios will strengthen Production Park’s offer to live entertainment, TV and film clients. Production Park was the main production base for the multi-award winning Netflix TV series Adolescence, when it hosted the entire cast and crew for six months in 2024.
Visualisation: Forbes Massie
This latest expansion will enable more major productions to rehearse and to film in Yorkshire and will add more than 70,000 sq ft of commercial space, creating new opportunities for collaboration, training and innovation. The area will feature tenant spaces, a training and performance centre, and additional teaching space for the Academy of Live Technology (ALT), Production Park’s on-campus higher education institution dedicated to training the next generation of industry professionals.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“Production Park is already a magnetic creative cluster that attracts world-class talent and major productions. It’s one of a kind nationally, and at the forefront of exciting new developments in the creative industries. Adding new studios, commercial space and training facilities will turbocharge its ability to support local businesses, boost skills, create jobs, and drive growth.”
Lee Brooks, CEO of Production Park, said:
“This expansion marks an important next phase for Production Park as we continue to thoughtfully widen opportunities for industry to produce, educate and connect here. For over 20 years we’ve built an environment and culture that understands the process and value of the stage and screen industries. We’ve seen award-winning productions created on this campus, and watched students go on to build international careers. We are united in our continued vision to connect world-class innovators, creators and producers in a space that supports incredible work for global audiences.”
For over 20 years, Production Park has welcomed headline talent and world class production teams including P!NK, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Cirque Du Soleil, Coldplay and The 1975. It began as a single rehearsal studio mainly serving European music tours and has evolved into a collection of state-of-the-art production facilities which serve global artists, broadcasters and brands.
Alongside its studios, Production Park is home to leading industry names including TAIT, ROE and 4Wall, which have established offices, manufacturing and showroom facilities on site. They sit alongside innovative companies such as HIVE and Precision Devices.
In 2009, an education facility was founded on campus with a vision to train the next generation of live events professionals. Today, the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) offers degrees, short courses and bespoke training across the full spectrum of live events. With a growing alumni network of over 1,000 graduates, ALT expanded internationally in 2023 with the launch of ALT at Rock Lititz in the USA. Production Park is also home to xplor, which offers unique Research & Development services across the live experience sector.
Niall Shamma COO at WARP Films, who made Adolescence at Production Park said:
“Here at Warp Films, we welcome the news of the expansion from our friends at Production Park. We had a great experience filming Adolescence there and it’s exciting to hear of this strengthening of the studio offering in Yorkshire. “
Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission said: “We welcome today’s announcement that Production Park has received planning approval for the next phase of its expansion. It’s great to see the strategic vision and ambition of Yorkshire to sustain and develop its screen industries offer long term. This investment is an important step in harnessing opportunities across the UK’s nations and regions and will help in continuing to attract productions of all sizes, investment, and employment in the UK.”
Adam Davis, CEO of TAIT and anchor resident at Production Park, said:
“TAIT’s presence on Production Park provides design, engineering, manufacturing, integration, project management, training and support for our global clients. Production Park isn’t just a global location for us; it’s a vibrant community we’re proud to be part of. We’re invested at every level, from employing Academy of Live Technology graduates, to supporting clients rehearsing on site, to collaborating on research that shapes the future of live experiences. We’re delighted to play our part in the Park’s continued growth.”
Jonathan Sheard, Managing Director for ROE Visual UK said:
“Being based at Production Park places ROE Visual at the heart of the live production industry. It is a great location to strengthen our collaboration with partners like ALT, XPLOR, and fellow industry leaders such as 4Wall and TAIT. As a go-to partner for LED solutions in the live and touring industry, it’s beneficial to be close to decision-makers and creatives, and to be able to bring them into our showroom during the product selection process. This dynamic environment fosters innovation, education, and excellence in live production.”
Cllr Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth said:
“Production Park’s reputation in the industry is second to none in Europe. And it’s fantastic to have a locally based business at the very top of its game. Expanding its facilities can bring even more business into our district, which means more jobs and investment locally. Production Park is going from strength to strength. And continues to grow Wakefield and West Yorkshire’s reputation as the home of world class creative industries.”
We are currently taking enquiries for our commercial and studio spaces, please email enquiries@productionpark.com if you would like to make contact.