Harry Potter Movie Firm To Expand Studios As Part Of Plans To Boost Economy

The firm behind the Harry Potter films is to undergo a major expansion to the studios, which could boost the UK economy by "£200 million", it has been confirmed.

Warner Bros Studios Leavesden are to be expanded by an extra 10 new sound stages, along with an additional 400,000 sq ft of production and support space.

According to Warner Bros, this could lead to a creation of 4,000 "direct or indirect" jobs across Britain, along with growing the WBSL's contribution to the UK economy by "more than £200 million". 

This expansion is to also increase production capacity at the location by 50%, with WBSL becoming a major hub for DC Studios. The studios developed the Harry Potter franchise, which has become a major tourist attraction. 

Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros Discovery Simon Robertson said of the expansion, "We are proud to not only be growing our productions in Leavesden and making it the main hub for DC Studios, but also to be growing our economic and community contributions to the UK's creative sector". 

Warner Bros Discovery's latest expansion has also been lauded by British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a "huge vote of confidence in the UK". 

"The enormous strength of our creative industries sees films and television shows made in the UK reaching cinemas and front rooms across the world, including Barbie and the House of the Dragon series", Hunt said. 

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

Harry Potter franchise was developed on the WBSL stage, with recent productions including global hit Barbie, along with HBO series, House Of The Dragon.

Set to begin next year, the expansion of the Harry Potter Studios is expected to be completed in 2027.