Streaming giants Netflix announced today (July 3) they will make a 'dedicated production hub' at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.

Netflix said the production hub would feature 14 sound stages, workshops and office space at the renowned Surrey-based TV and film studios, which are owned by multinational film company Pinewood Group.

As well as announcing a dedicated site for UK-based productions at the studios, Netflix also revealed the first Netflix Original that will be made at their new UK home.

"The first Netflix original production to film at Shepperton will be The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne, and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

"The movie, which is being produced by Skydance Media, Denver and Delilah and Marc Evans, is an action drama based on the comic book series created by author Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández," a spokesperson said.

Speaking on announcement, Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, praised Shepperton Studios' heritage and said the streaming giants would be proud to join forces with the legendary Surrey location.

"Shepperton has been synonymous with world class film for nearly a century and it’s an important production hub for the UK creative community today.

"We’re incredibly proud to be part of that heritage.

"This investment will ensure that British creators and producers have first rate production facilities and a world stage for their work," Mr Sarandos said.

Pinewood Group also expressed their excitement at collaborating on UK soil with such an influential company.

The group's Chairman Paul Golding said: "Netflix’s decision to base their production hub at Shepperton is a strong vote of support for the Pinewood Group and gives us great confidence as we expand our UK studios.

"Our plans, which represent the single biggest expansion of stage space across the UK, will see Pinewood Group open twenty-two new sound stages, enabling us to host even more productions. This growth will help secure the ongoing success of the UK film and TV industry."

The hub is due to open in October, Pinewood said.

The news of the imminent arrival of one of the world's largest media companies prompted delighted responses from key figures in the British film industry.

British Film Institute (BFI) Chief Executive Amanda Nevill CBE called the announcement "fantastic" and described expectations the move would bring "opportunities for UK talent and UK expertise to create new homegrown stories to enthral audiences worldwide."

Meanwhile British Film Commission Chief Executive Adrian Wootton praised Netflix's decision to make the production hub in Surrey as a "great vote of confidence" for UK film and television

"This announcement is a great vote of confidence in our creative sector and underscores the UK’s position as the leading choice for film and HETV production," Mr Wootton said.

Netflix’s production hub will be based at the existing Shepperton Studios site, which are managed and operated by Pinewood Group.

Netflix’s UK Original titles include Black Mirror, Sex Education, filmed in Wales, Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father, and new projects with Ricky Gervais, Idris Elba, Julian Fellowes and Katherine Ryan.

Documentary series include Our Planet, voiced by Sir David Attenborough and filmed over four years in collaboration with Silverback Films and the WWF.