The creative industries in Wales entered a new stage when First Minister Carwyn Jones officially opened the BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studio complex in Cardiff Bay. yesterday.
The studios are part of the Welsh Government owned and backed Porth Teigr development, which is being developed in partnership with "igloo" - an Aviva Investors Real Estate Fund.
Porth Teigr is a strategically important mixed-use development that will provide up to 2million sq ft of commercial, retail and residential space, creating an economic stimulus for South Wales. BBC Cymru Wales’ 175,000 sq ft complex is the first completed building on the site.
The studios are home to TV productions such as Doctor Who, Casualty, Pobol y Cwm and Upstairs Downstairs. CBBC’s Aliens vs Wizards, a Russell T. Davies project, is due to start filming on site in the spring.
Roath Lock is the size of three football pitches, has nine studios and three external filming lots.
The First Minister said:"This studio complex is a major step forward for the creative industries in Wales and will be home to famous TV productions that are viewed across the world. The creative industries, from TV, film and theatre are of major importance to our economy, supporting jobs and investment and the Welsh Government is determined for this to continue. BBC Cymru Wales' Roath Lock is a symbol of what Wales can achieve and the bright future we have ahead of us.
"The Welsh Government sees Porth Teigr as a long-term investment, both in the creative sector and in Cardiff and it shows what can be achieved through a close working partnership between the public and private sector."
Our photograph shows the cover of Richard Marson's book about the making of the series, Upstairs Downstairs, one of the many popular series which will be produced in the new studio complex.