Warner Bros is expanding Leavesden Studios in the UK

Warner Bros. plans to expand production capacity at Leavesden Studios near London by more than 50 percent, becoming home to DC Studios.

The move will add 10 new sound stages to the studios where a lot of audio is played Barbie Blockbuster and HBO Dragon House It was filmed.

The film company was also behind Harry Potter The film franchise and its fan tours are a major tourist attraction.

The entertainment company said that an additional production and support space of 37,000 square meters will be created.

Warner Bros. Discovery said the project is expected to create 4,000 “direct or indirect” jobs across Britain and increase Leavesdon’s contribution to the UK economy “by more than £200 million”.

Groundbreaking for the project is scheduled to begin next year, and the expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt described the investment in the site as a “huge vote of confidence in the UK”.

“The enormous power of our creative industries sees films and TV shows made in the UK reaching cinemas and front rooms all over the world, including Barbie And the Dragon House series,” he said.

“Warner Bros Discovery’s ambitious plan to grow its Leavesden studio represents a huge vote of confidence in the UK – creating thousands of jobs and growing our economy – and means British-made entertainment will continue to delight and entertain global audiences.

“The UK's ambition is to become the world's next Silicon Valley, and we believe we are already the technology and entertainment hub of Europe. This is another step towards that.”

The studios are recognized globally for their exceptional sound stages and facilities, said Simon Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros Discovery Studios.

“With this planned expansion adding significant capacity and capabilities, it will be home to even more amazing stories for both film and TV projects,” he said.

“We are proud to not only grow our productions in Leavesden and make it the flagship hub for DC Studios, but also to increase our economic and community contributions to the UK creative sector.”

The investment comes as Warner Bros. Discovery's California production is hit by its first joint strike by writers and actors in 63 years, delaying major projects and prompting it to cut revenue forecasts for the rest of this year.

Updated: September 22, 2023 at 12:11 p.m