The funds will be used at the former Ministry of Defence site at Forthside, with the majority invested in an existing 160,000-square-foot building, which is expected to become the main hub for the ambitious Stirling Studios plan.

Approval for the £6m procurement contract, funded from the £19.1m received from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund in March 2023, was agreed at a meeting of the Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee at Stirling Council.

The majority of the works to be undertaken on the 34-acre Forthside site are to ensure compliance with current building standards regulations and are mostly mechanical and electrical in nature.

Building 135, which will receive the majority of the investment, will undergo roof and fabric repairs, with the height of the roof to be raised in one section of the structure to increase its flexibility of use.

It will also see the installation of thermal insulation, a new electricity substation, new fire alarm and security systems, as well as the introduction of improved ventilation systems and high speed fibre networks.

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said: “The agreement for the procurement contract to refurbish these buildings will accelerate the transformation of Forthside into a prime economic hub, including the Stirling Studios project.

“It is an important step in the project’s timeline, with the ultimate aim of turning the site into a dynamic and vibrant location for film and television production, as well as other industries, attracting investment and promoting job creation.

“This is just the beginning of what will be a transformative journey for the Forthside site and the wider area.

“The establishment of Stirling Studios, in particular, will position us on the global creative stage and provide significant social and economic boosts to the Stirling area for many years to come.”

Stirling Studios will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland and will pave the way for major economic and social benefits in the Stirling area, including the estimated creation of more than 4,000 jobs over 25 years in key film and production roles, as well as other supply services.

It was announced in April 2024 following the transfer of the MOD land at Forthside to Stirling Council as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – a £214m partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments.

All buildings at Forthside have been surveyed and structural assessments have been undertaken. All of the buildings to be retained for the Stirling Studios project and other industries are in good structural condition and considered suitable for adaptation.

Following the procurement process, it is anticipated the refurbishment works at Forthside will begin in February 2025 and be completed by January 2026.

Reports on an updated masterplan for the Forthside area and the preferred option for operating the Stirling Studios complex will come before the council before the end of this year.