Lionsgate has officially begun construction on a new film and television production studio in Newark’s South Ward. The $125 million project will occupy 12 acres and is designed to provide modern facilities capable of supporting a wide range of film and television productions.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the city. Local development partners also participated, emphasizing the collaborative effort to bring the studio to fruition.
The new studio represents one of the largest private entertainment investments in Newark in recent years. By establishing a state-of-the-art production facility, Lionsgate aims to strengthen the city’s role as a growing hub for the creative industries. Officials noted that the project complements ongoing economic and cultural development initiatives in the South Ward.
Expected Opening
Crews began construction on December 11, 2025, and the studio plans to open in 2027. Once it launches, the project will create jobs and attract supporting businesses such as equipment providers, set builders, and local service vendors.
This investment aligns with broader trends in New Jersey’s film and television industry, which has seen growth due to tax incentives and infrastructure development. City leaders view the studio as a cornerstone for Newark’s creative economy, offering opportunities for workforce development and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a destination for entertainment production.
The location in the South Ward also reflects Newark’s ongoing strategy to revitalize underutilized areas through large-scale private investment. By combining creative industry growth with urban redevelopment, the project is expected to deliver long-term benefits for the community, including job creation, cultural enrichment, and regional economic growth.
New Jersey has become one of the hottest markets for the film and television industry in the United States. Major companies continue to invest in the state’s production infrastructure, including Netflix, which is building a nearly one-billion-dollar production campus at Fort Monmouth in Monmouth County. With multiple large studio projects advancing, New Jersey’s expanding film sector benefits from strong tax incentives and sustained development momentum.
Lionsgate Newark Studio – Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: South Ward, Newark, New Jersey (former Seth Boyden Housing complex site)
Total Investment: $125 million
Site Area: 12 acres
Expected Opening: 2027
Status: Construction initiated (announced Thursday)
Facility Features
Production Infrastructure
Multiple soundstage facilities
Dedicated office spaces for production teams
Environmental Measures
Solar panel installations
Dust mitigation systems
Noise control protocols
Environmental data monitoring and reporting
Economic Impact Projections
Direct Employment: 600+ permanent production positions
Annual Economic Contribution: Estimated $800 million+ to regional economy
Community Benefits Framework
Employment Commitments
Construction Phase:
40% of labor hours allocated to Newark residents
25% of contracts designated for Minority Business Enterprises
7% of contracts reserved for Women’s Business Enterprises
