Bristol's Bottle Yard Studios Discloses Financial Details for the First Time
The West of England's largest film and television studios, the Bristol City Council-owned Bottle Yard in Hengrove, has released information about its finances for the very first time. This exclusive revelation comes after a Freedom of Information request was submitted, shedding light on the previously guarded financial operations of this major cultural hub.
Financial Figures and Accounting Approach
In response to the FOI request, Bristol City Council disclosed that over the last financial year, 2025-2026, the Bottle Yard's budget was -£177,625. Importantly, this negative figure does not indicate a loss; rather, it reflects the council's accounting method aimed at balancing the books to zero annually. The studios are actually an income-generating service, meaning they contribute financially to the council, with a targeted surplus of £177,625 for that year.
It is understood that the Bottle Yard achieved a surplus for 2025-2026, though the exact amount remains uncertain as the council has not finalized its year-end calculations. For the new financial year, 2026-2027, the budget is set at -£81,740, with expectations of a surplus around £81,000, indicating continued financial viability.
Background of Secrecy and Legal Issues
This disclosure marks a significant shift, as previous requests for financial information from journalists, local councillors, and the public were repeatedly denied on grounds of commercial sensitivity. The FOI request by Business Live took 64 days for a response, far exceeding the standard 20-day requirement, highlighting ongoing transparency challenges within the council.
This comes months after Bristol City Council lost a legal battle with the Information Commissioner's Office over failures to clear an FOI backlog. Notably, the council recently declined a similar request from investigative journalist Andrew Lynch, underscoring the selective nature of information release.
Additional Refusals and Past Controversies
Despite this financial disclosure, Bristol City Council refused several other information requests. These included details on the salary of Katherine Nash, head of studios at the Bottle Yard, citing data protection laws. Nash, appointed in September, oversees commercial aspects across two sites and 11 stages.
The council also declined to reveal who was considering buying the studios last year, following a collapsed sale in July that cost taxpayers approximately £430,000. They cited confidentiality, though the studios remain operational, with no current decision on a future sale.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
According to Bristol Film Office, films and TV shows produced in Bristol during 2024-2025 boosted the local economy by over £46 million. The Bottle Yard Studios supported 29 major productions, including three feature films and 26 high-end TV shows, totaling 736 filming days.
Council leader Tony Dyer emphasized the commitment to securing a sustainable future for the studios, aiming to foster growth, create jobs, and attract investment for Bristol. This financial transparency may pave the way for greater accountability and continued success in the region's creative sector.
