Council to discuss future of Bristol’s Bottle Yard film studios next week

The future of Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios will be discussed by councillors on the city’s strategy and resources policy committee next Monday.

Based in Hengrove, The Bottle Yard is a leading film and TV studio facility and a cornerstone of Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation.

It’s seen steady growth and investment since establishment in 2010, which included expansion works in 2022.

During that time, Bristol has developed into one of the most filmed cities in the UK, and a partnership with the Bristol Film Office has ensured that locations across the city regularly feature in primetime TV shows and feature films.

Latest figures from Bristol Film Office show that film and high end TV production at The Bottle Yard and elsewhere in Bristol is now worth more than £20 million a year to the city’s economy.

Ownership of the studios currently sits with the council, which has invested in the site alongside the West of England Combined Authority and a number of other organisations.

Owing to changes in the TV and film production market and the ownership and investment models of local authority-owned studios elsewhere, councillors are now being asked to agree to a process to identify a purchaser for the studios to maximise future investment opportunities.

Cllr Tony Dyer is leader of Bristol City Council and chairs the strategy and resources policy committee.

He said: “The Bottle Yard Studios began as a regeneration project aimed at stimulating economic and social benefits that could benefit the city whilst providing vital new facilities for the regional film and TV sector.

“The success of the studios over the past 14 years is almost unparalleled, with the facility returning on investment many times over through the creation of hundreds of jobs through the sector and being a primary stimulator of millions of pounds of inward investment to the city.

“Now we’re seeing a change in the sector market and an evolution in the ownership models of studios across the country, it’s the right time for the council to consider the best future course for the facility.

“We’ve seen the huge potential the studios possess to drive economic and social value for the city and to be a focal point for the UK’s TV and film industry.

“What I and my colleagues on the committee now want to do is to explore how to grow investment and deliver the most for Bristol.”

Laura Aviles, head of film at Bristol City Council, oversees the studios.

She added: “I’m pleased that the future of The Bottle Yard is being placed high on the agenda by council leaders.

“There’s absolutely no doubt that the studios have had a transformative effect on the film and TV industry in Bristol and the West.

“This success can be seen in the thriving workplace it provides for hundreds of crew and creative professionals each day, the tight-knit community of specialist companies resident on site and a strong booking slate stretching into 2025/26.

“Since expanding two years ago, our reputation has been further elevated among leading UK and US producers, commissioners and streamers.

“I want to ensure The Bottle Yard continues to achieve its full potential into the future.”