Pentland Studios developers reveal big-name backers

DEVELOPERS behind a bid to create Scotland's first permanent film studio on the outskirts of Edinburgh have revealed that they have a string of operators and backers on board for the project.

The backers include former Warner Bros development manager Jim O'Donnell, who set up the Harry Potter Experience. Picture: Warner Bros

The team behind the £150 million Pentland Studios scheme, earmarked for a huge swathe of green belt land in Midlothian, confirmed agreements were in place, with several potential investors waiting in the wings.

Details of the deals, which are being kept under wraps due to commercial confidentiality, have been revealed weeks after it emerged that senior council officials were opposed to the project.

The consortium – led by former Ealing Studios director Jeremy Pelzer and former Warner Bros development manager Jim O’Donnell – has hit back at their suggestions that there is no commercial support in place for the studio.

An artist's impression of the development. Picture: contributed

It has rejected claims that the project – earmarked for 86 acres of land near to existing Ikea, Asda and Marks & Spencer stores – is a front for a retail development.

Objectors include the real estate giant behind the £850 million St James shopping centre overhaul in Edinburgh city centre, who fear the studio project would undermine their venture.

The development team is also adamant more than 900 jobs would be created by the privately funded project, which the Scottish Government is due to decide on later this year after the consortium decided to mount an appeal on the grounds of non-determination by the local authority.

Six sound stages suitable for both film and TV productions would be created, alongside two Hollywood-style backlots, outdoor water stage, film academy, hotel and student housing.

An artist's impression of the development. Picture: contributed

However, a damning dossier on the development by Midlothian Council have raised fears that the studio venture will blight the local landscape, cause unacceptable disruption to local residents and threaten the expansion of other developments.

Gordon MacCallum, director of Keppie, the consortium’s agents, has submitted fresh evidence to the government.

He said: “With regard to a requirement to confirm commercial investors, PSL Land Limited can confirm that they have signed a number of non-disclosure agreements with funding partners and operators of the development. Given the legal implications of such agreements, it is not considered appropriate to disclose such information at this time.”

A separate dossier, submitted on behalf of the developers by Deloitte, states: “The proposed development of an international film studio in the Edinburgh area will have a significant impact on the region’s economy, with substantial spin-offs in the immediate surrounding area.”

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