Scottish facility Wardpark Studios could be completely overhauled and two more stages built at the site if an anticipated planning application is successful.

The Cumbernauld facility, which is the home of Sony historical drama Outlander, currently offers four stages totalling 48,000 sq ft of production space.

According to culture secretary Fiona Hyslop, chair of Wardpark Studios Terry Thomson is expected to submit a planning application for the addition of two more stages, a backlot and production offices totalling 30,000 sq ft later this week.

The plans have been the subject of “detailed negotiations” between Wardpark Studios Limited and the Film Studio Delivery Group (FSDG), which is made up of the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland.

In a statement, Creative Scotland said that while a deal had not yet been finalised, Wardpark Studios’ decision to seek planning consent was “a firm indication of the site owner’s commitment to the project”.

Thomson said: “We want to enhance the existing four sound stages with a further two stages to expand and grow productions using the facility. 

“With each production using the site, the benefits to the local and national economy are increased, reaching far beyond simply the studio and deep into the supply chain.

“Lighting and rigging suppliers, local builders’ merchants, landscaping suppliers, transport suppliers and many others provide the products and services that ensure these global productions can be made right here in Scotland.

“Our planning application seeks to make the most of the existing facilities and land available.

“While we’ve reached agreement in principle with Scottish Enterprise and the Film Studio Delivery Group on possible financial support, there remain a few commercial details still to be finalised before we can move ahead with our plans.”

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