The long-gestating Silvercup Studios expansion that would plop eight new soundstages in New York City, just south of the Queensboro-59th Street Bridge and right across the river from Manhattan, got the green light yesterday from the New York City Council.
The new production space, dubbed Silvercup West, will be part of a 2.7 million-square-foot mixed-use facility. Also included will be 650,000 square feet of offices, 70,000 square feet of retail, a 40,000-square-foot catering hall, 100,000 square feet of unspecified "cultural" space, and 1,000 residences, including 150 units of affordable housing.
"Silvercup West will be a part of the revitalization of the Long Island City waterfront creating a true 24/7 community," said Silvercup Studios CEO Alan Suna in a prepared statement. "Not only will it enhance New York's skyline, but the project's world-class design scheme serves as a gateway to the borough of Queens."
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also stepped up to offer support for the project, noting that the production industry employs 100,000 workers in New York and generates $5 billion in annual revenue. The Silvercup West project is expected to generate 3,900 permanent jobs, 2,200 construction jobs, and 2,500 indirect jobs.
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