ITV invests £5m in 'Emmerdale' studio

ITV Studios has announced a £5 million refurbishment of its Kirkstall Road studios in Leeds, including a full upgrade of the Emmerdale production centre.

The cash will primarily be spent on refurbishing the main Burley Road building where Emmerdale is produced to prepare for high definition broadcasts. Work will begin in the New Year and take around 12 months to complete.

Speaking to the Emmerdale team today in Leeds, ITV Studios managing director Lee Bartlett said: "This investment is about safeguarding the future of Emmerdale. Giving this highly respected production team and cast an up-to-date, modern, purpose-built facility is key to enhancing the quality of our production many years into the future.

"Few cities outside London can boast production of three hours of prime time top-rated drama every week, and this team deserves the best possible environment in which to work and operate. I'm thrilled that we have secured the funding to make this happen."

ITV Studios director of production Claire Poyser added: "Our plan is to consolidate our production centre here in Leeds to fit our needs and purpose for the future. The main building re-fit means first class high definition facilities, and there will be enough spare office space to open our doors to a broader creative community.

"We are actively seeking to develop potential creative partnerships with interested parties in the region. This will give Leeds something to be really proud of.”

ITV began a complete review of its Kirkstall Road facility, including the six production centre buildings, in March this year.

John Major opened the Burley Road centre in 1997 after it had been adapted from a car showroom. However, the review recommended a considerable upgrade for the studio to help it cope with the demands of modern digital TV production.