WB Plans for Permanent UK Studio; Public Tours of Harry Potter Sets

The Financial Times has an article online which reveals plans by Warner Bros. to establish “a permanent base in the UK as part of an estimated £100m ($161m)-plus investment that would make it the only Hollywood major to own a studio outside the US.” This base at Leavesden Studios, where the Harry Potter films have been in production for the past decade, is said to feature a “plan to allow members of the public to visit, by appointment, the sets of films made at Leavesden, including the great hall from the Harry Potter series.” The Financial Times continues:

The new plans involve building two new permanent stages, refurbishing the existing buildings and redesigning its 100-acre “backlot”, the area used for shooting outdoor scenes.

A person familiar with the plans said Warner Brothers wants to make Leavesden a European hub for post-production, including visual effects, animatronics and film editing in the UK, and believes that it will attract film business to the country.

Update: The official Warner Bros. Twitter account now confirms the report, saying, “Hey Potter Fans! WB is making a move to acquire and expand Leavesden Studios outside of London”the home of the “Harry Potter” films!”
As always, stay close to TLC for complete details and updates when we get them! Thanks to SS!