Stirling Council News
Roof works approved to help enhance viability of Stirling Studios
More than 4000 local jobs are expected to be created over the next 25 years through Stirling Studios on the former MoD site at Forthside. The work expected to strengthen the viability of Stirling Studios has been conditionally approved by Stirling Council’s planners. They have granted the authority’s application to extend the height of the roof of one bay within an industrial building at the former Ministry of Defence depot at Meadowforth Road at Forthside.
When the studios were first announced, council bosses mentioned that industry figures were positive about the venture and suggested that it could be further improved by increasing the height of the roof to widen the scope of any built sets. The application also includes the installation of five new substations/transformer units.
In their decision, the planners stated, “The site is Building 135, within the former MoD site, Meadowforth Road, Stirling, is a former regional logistics warehouse located in the Forthside area of Stirling. The area is subject to the Forthside Masterplan, approved in October 2024. The masterplan earmarks the site for employment allocation – specifically, the reuse of existing MoD buildings for use as multi-functional business, enterprise, and workshop space.”
The base, known as Forthside Barracks, was built as an ordnance depot in 1899 and was acquired by Stirling Council for £5m in March 2024. The council will appoint an operator to run the studios, aiming to attract both UK and global productions and screen stars.
The proposal to extend the roof will alter the existing and established roof line of the area. Despite the increase in height not being considered to have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area’s site planning or place design, there are considerations about the visual impact from a distance. The new transformers are planned to be sited on the north side of the building, acting as a natural sound barrier between them and the nearby residential dwellings.
The increased height is not expected to impact the character, setting, or integrity of the surrounding historic sites, including views to and from Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.
In summary, the approval of the roof works at Stirling Studios is a significant step towards enhancing the viability of the site for future multi-functional business and entertainment purposes. With the potential creation of over 4000 local jobs in the next 25 years, this development is poised to bring positive economic and cultural impacts to the Stirling area. The council’s commitment to repurposing existing buildings and attracting a variety of productions reflects a promising future for the film and television industry in the region.