A consortium planning to build a major £120 million film and television studio in Dundee say they are “confident” the project will go ahead.
Members of Studio City Scotland are meeting on Tuesday and say discussions have already taken place with Dundee City Council about the project, which would be entirely privately funded.
Dundee-born Hollywood actor Brian Cox has also met the consortium and given his support to the ambitious project.
The development will include eco-friendly studios with multiple sound stages and that the plans for the studio have been informed by discussions with Hollywood studios and industry professionals.
In addition to studios, discussions are at an advanced stage with major entertainment, communications and games companies which could see the creation of a screen and media theme park and a games centre.
Martin Cherry, managing director of consortium member Bannerman Technology said: “Dundee is the right place at the right time. The city is undergoing major re-generation around the new V&A at Dundee so this development will capitalise on the attention that is attracting.
“This development will drive significant economic development for the city and Dundee City Council’s Planning and Economic Development teams are being highly supportive.”
The Courier reported in January that the studio could be build on land next to Claverhouse Industrial Park in the north of the city.
Although the hit series Outlander has been filmed on location in Scotland, the country lost out on Game of Thrones to Belfast because producers did not believe there was enough suitable studio space available.
Dundee MSPs Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick welcomed news plans are moving forward.
Mr Robison said: “Dundee has a world-leading games sector, digital arts and the V&A so the city would be a natural choice as a location for a major film studio and the jobs and investment it would bring.
“I am delighted to hear of the proposal and hope that it can be brought to fruition.”
Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am very interested to hear of this proposal and hope that the developers and Dundee City Council can help to bring it about.
“We are very keen to capitalise on the strength of the city’s world-beating games industry and the skills which the city has and to bring employment to the city.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We have been in discussions with Studio City Scotland.”