Studio Ulster · UK public procurement notice

Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster

project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support

both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include,

but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual

production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage

with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq.

The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation

of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster.

Studio Ulster will include a ‘Tier 1’ Centre of Excellence in Research & Development &

Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector.

The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing

Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have

entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster.

The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist

equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial

activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production,

broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector.

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The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to :

• Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies

sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual

production as a nexus within the screen industries.

• Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally,

nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries.

• Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and

experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen

industry.

• Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving

innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new

approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors.

• Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that

expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector.

Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value

through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award criteria for this competition