Warner Bros. will announce on Wednesday [10 Nov] the completion of its purchase of UK-based Leavesden studios and unveil plans for a $160m (£100m) re-building and expansion programme.

Having received planning permission from Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council, Warner Bros. is set to re-develop the 170 acre site, situated 30km north-west of London.

With the acquisition of the new base, named Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, Warner Bros. has become the first Hollywood studio to have a permanent production base in UK.

Part of the revamp will include two new sound stages in which to display some of the iconic sets, costumes, creatures and props from Warner Bros.' films shot in the UK.

The current 1,500 jobs at the studio will be boosted by the creation of around 300 more for building and specialist contractors. …