A popular Burnaby film studio known for creating fantasy could soon see its expansion become a reality.
On Tuesday, the city held a public hearing that included a rezoning application for a major expansion to Bridge Studios, located at 3700 and 3880 Henning Dr.
The company behind the studio is planning a multi-phase expansion of the facility that includes the construction of a new effects stage with office space, a parkade, new sound stage and four-storey digital arts production building.
When all the phases are complete in the next few years, the studio could provide employment opportunities for up to 1,000 people.
There was no opposition to the application at the public hearing Tuesday.
Art Phillips, director of development for Larco Investments, the company that owns the studio, told the NOW the expansion was necessary to keep up with demand from the film industry. He added the company wouldn’t consider a major expansion if it didn’t feel positive about the industry.
“For Burnaby, it means a clean industry, it means a strong employment generator and it means a continuation of the film industry in B.C., with Burnaby really taking the lead in the province,” he said, noting the strong support for the studio by the city and council.
Phillips didn’t want to disclose the cost of the expansion, other than to confirm it was in the millions.
At any given time, 800 people could be working out of the studios.
Mayor Derek Corrigan said it was exciting to the see studio expand, suggesting Burnaby is lucky to become the home of film studios in B.C.
He suggested the industry offers a lot of high-quality jobs, while also helping small companies grow their businesses around it.
“It’s been all around one of the most positive economic developments in our city over the course of the last decade,” Corrigan said.
The application still needs to head back to council for final approval at a later date. The first phase of the expansion is expected to be complete later this spring.
The studio, which opened its doors in 1987, has undergone a number of expansions in the last three decades, including a sound stage and workshop in 1996.
The public hearing also included a rezoning application for the third and fourth phases of the Station Square development in the Metrotown Town Centre area, and an application for a three-tower development in the Brentwood Town Centre area on Beta Avenue.
There was no public opposition to either project, but they will still need to be approved by council at a later date.
