American horror/fantasy film Wolf Man was made at the Lane Street Studios facility in 2024. Photo: Supplied
A multi-million dollar movie studio in Upper Hutt - which was built to expand the film industry in New Zealand - is up for sale.
Lane Street Studios' production facility opened in 2022, and American horror/fantasy film Wolf Man, starring American actress Julia Garner, was made there in 2024.
Studio chief executive Kristy Grant said in a statement the studio was looking for a new owner.
She said the film, TV and media sector in New Zealand was having a "tough time of it, with a big economic downturn impacting so many".
"This is also not unique to New Zealand," Grant said.
Grant said the studio had housed several large and smaller scale productions since it had been open, with a capacity to host more than 500 production crew and cast.
"It's one of New Zealand's most comprehensive production facilities with each space carefully considered and purpose built to suit the needs of a range of productions."
It was hoped the $50-million studio would further Wellington's international creative status, and become a major player in international screen production for years.
The studio picked up awards for Best Emerging Business and Exporter of the Year at the Wellington Export Awards in 2024.
Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee said she hoped the facility would continue as a film studio.
"It's an amazing, incredible facility for Upper Hutt, and it's kind of no wonder that this has happened given the really tough conditions for screens both internationally and nationally."
Zee said the studio was an important avenue for jobs in the city.
"When that facility is being used for film there will be heaps more jobs and economic activity spilled over into hospitality and retail.
"It is an absolute asset - certainly there's nothing it seems that they have done, it's just the conditions are so tough."
Kieran Lennon from Colliers Real Estate said the large four-hectare site was a rare opportunity for someone else in the film industry to take it over.
Its listing on realestate.co.nz said the production facility could also be turned into other uses.
"Built as a production facility but could be high-end warehousing or a data centre, this four-hectare site which is in two titles has 4700 sq m of high-stud warehousing, corporate grade offices, large yards and approximately 210 car parks."
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