Ireland Property Matthew Ord

Plans have been submitted to build a film studio development in Belfast.

"Given the success of Northern Ireland as a film and television production destination there is significant demand to enhance the amount of studio space available in Belfast."

The application submitted by Belfast Harbour earmarks North Foreshore Film Studios to be built within the capital's Giant's Park and would comprise three elements.

The scheme would be made up of 66,000 q ft of film studio and sound stage space, 23,000 sq ft of workshop accommodation and 32,000 sq ft of production space.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the proposal said the studios would provide a facility for local, national and international film and television production, together with space for the preparation of sets.

"It is one of the council's central aims to ensure that local communities will be able to benefit from the economic and social opportunities that will be attracted," it added.

"Given the success of Northern Ireland as a film and television production destination there is significant demand to enhance the amount of studio space available in Belfast.

"Belfast Harbour and Belfast City Council want to support this successful industry and the wider economy as a whole. Working together will help ensure that Belfast continues to compete with other cities as a prime location for production."

The statement added that Northern Ireland Screen analysis shows the existing studios have been worth £120m to the local economy. It is therefore hoped that the construction of more stages would assist with attracting further productions to Northern Ireland.

Arguably the most popular production filmed in the country is HBO's Game of Thrones.

Image credit: Picture taken from planning documents submitted by Belfast Harbour