Stirling Council has welcomed a major step forward in the redevelopment of the Forthside site and Stirling Studios project, with the approval of a £6 million procurement contract for building refurbishment.

The funding, allocated from the £19.1m received from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, will be used to revitalize an existing 160,000 square-foot building on the former Ministry of Defence site at Forthside. This building is set to become the central hub for the ambitious Stirling Studios plan.

Stirling Council's Finance, Economy, and Corporate Support Committee recently approved the £6 million procurement contract. The majority of the refurbishment works will focus on ensuring compliance with current building standards regulations, including mechanical and electrical upgrades.

Building 135, the primary recipient of the investment, will undergo significant renovations. These include roof and fabric repairs, a raised roof section for increased flexibility, thermal insulation, a new electricity substation, modern fire alarm and security systems, improved ventilation, and high-speed fiber networks.

-- Advertisement --

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said: "The agreement for the procurement contract to refurbish these buildings will accelerate the transformation of Forthside into a prime economic hub, including the Stirling Studios project.

"It is an important step in the project's timeline, with the ultimate aim of turning the site into a dynamic and vibrant location for film and television production, as well as other industries, attracting investment and promoting job creation.

"This is just the beginning of what will be a transformative journey for the Forthside site and the wider area.

"The establishment of Stirling Studios, in particular, will position us on the global creative stage and provide significant social and economic boosts to the Stirling area for many years to come."

Stirling Studios will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland and will pave the way for major economic and social benefits in the Stirling area, including the estimated creation of more than 4,000 jobs over 25 years in key film and production roles, as well as other supply services.

It was announced in April 2024 following transfer of the MOD land at Forthside to Stirling Council as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – a £214 million partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments.

All buildings at Forthside have been surveyed and structural assessments have been undertaken. All of the buildings to be retained for the Stirling Studios project and other industries are in good structural condition and considered suitable for adaptation.

Following the procurement process, it is anticipated the refurbishment works at Forthside will begin in February 2025 and be completed by January 2026.

Reports on an updated masterplan for the Forthside area and the preferred option for operating the Stirling Studios complex will come before Council before the end of this year.