Emmerdale Moves To HD

A review that recommended a considerable upgrade for studio facilities producing a major ITV 'soap' has led to a £5 million refurbishment being announced for the Emmerdale production centre.

Aimed at helping it cope with the demands of modern digital TV production, Emmerdale's Kirkstall Road studios in Leeds, is to have a full upgrade.

High-definition facilities at ITV's Leeds complex - once home to Yorkshire Television - aim to 'safeguard the future of Emmerdale'

ITV Studios will invest in its studio complex in Leeds by providing high definition facilities for the production of its Yorkshire-based soap.

The studios announced that the money 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.

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," he said.

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.

Originally, ITV was to downsize the Leeds Studios in an effort to save money following a reported loss of £2.7 billion for 2008.

However, the new announcement of plans to renovate the studios to high definition standard, and moving production of Emmerdale to the main Kirkstall Road building means it is effectively getting a new, permanent home close to the original production facility.

ITV reviewed the future of the Kirkstall Road site after announcing it would mothball Heartbeat and The Royal, forcing the studio division to make many staff redundant.

Emmerdale's studios and production centre will now move from the back of the complex on Burley Road, the site of an old car showroom, into the main ITV site in Leeds on Kirkstall Road, formerly the home of Yorkshire Television, which produced hits such as Rising Damp.

See: Film Studios Leeds

(BMcc/GK)