New renderings from Great Point Studios, a film and television studio investment company, are the first to reveal a new production studio in Newark, New Jersey. The production studio will replace Seth Boyden Terrace, a partially abandoned 12-building housing complex formerly operated by the New Jersey Housing Authority located between Weequahic Park and Newark Airport.
Lionsgate is confirmed as the studio’s long-term tenant and will have naming rights to the property once completed. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, a partnering institution, will manage public affairs and community relations for the studio and create educational programs and internships that are designated for Newark high school and college students.
Aerial view of the former Seth Boyden Terrace residential complex and forthcoming Lionsgate studio in Newark
The 300,000-square-foot complex will include multiple production stages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. Additional components include back-of-house offices and administrative spaces, a parking facility for 400 cars and 65 trucks, and on-site production services including grip and electric, equipment, props, set building, restaurants, location catering, cleaning service, and security.
It is anticipated that the new studio will create more than 600 long-term employment opportunities and generate more than $800 million per year.
“One of my administration’s priorities has been to enhance New Jersey’s film industry and create new revenue streams for our state,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “With the addition of the Lionsgate Newark Studio, New Jersey will cement its position as a hub for television and film production with its proximity to all forms of transportation and access to more than 14,000 qualified union members in the region. As a result, the introduction of the Lionsgate Newark Studio not only promotes the economic vitality of our state, but also provides good jobs and access to opportunity for all South Ward community members.”
Street level rendering of Lionsgate’s new studio and production facility in Newark, New Jersey – Courtesy of Great Point Studios
The development site spans 12 acres and is now owned by a joint venture between Great Point Studios and private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg. Matrix Development will serve as the project developer and Gensler is retained as architect of record.
The studio is expected to open in 2024.
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How interesting – this is literally 6.5 miles from the world’s first film studio, Thomas Edison’s Black Mariah in South Orange. NJ and NY was the first home of the film industry. I love when history comes full circle.
It’s nice to see Newark get some love.
Isn’t there an affordable housing crisis in this region? I guess that doesn’t apply when hollywood comes knocking. Hypocrisy is so rich with liberal elites.