Multi-million pound plans to expand Elstree Studios have been boosted by a £2 million loan towards the redevelopment.

The loan comes from the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund and was formally approved by Hertsmere Borough Council last week.

It will be put towards the £4.5 million project to clear four acres of land at Elstree Studios and construct new film and television production facilities.

The remaining £2.5 million needed will come from the council’s own reserves.

Morris Bright, council leader and chairman of the board of directors at Elstree Studios, said: “I am delighted with the unanimous cross-party support given to this project by the council. This is the largest investment in the site in 15 years. Both the council and the studios are looking forward to moving ahead with this project for the benefit of the media industry and the residents of Hertsmere.”

From next year, BBC Studios and Post Production will use Elstree Studios while BBC Television Centre is redeveloped.