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Netflix breaks ground on US$1bn US East Coast studio project
30 May 2025
Netflix started construction on an estimated US$1 billion film and television production facility at the site of a former US Army base in New Jersey, US, which is said to be one of the largest construction investments for media infrastructure on the American East Coast.
A preliminary concept render of Netflix’s future studio in New Jersey, US. Image: Netflix
The project is managed by the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), a state agency established to oversee the redevelopment of the former Fort Monmouth US Army site where Netflix is building. The Army fort officially closed in September 2011.
The 292-acre campus is planned to include 12 modern soundstages totalling nearly 500,000 sq ft, along with production offices, trailer parks, retail spaces, dining facilities, a hotel and other amenities. Plans also call for a helipad, a cinema, specialised water tanks for film work and visitor attractions. Historic elements of the former Army base, such as the parade grounds, will be preserved and integrated into the site.
Demolition work is expected to take more than a year, and construction will occur in two phases.
The first phase focuses on an area called the McAfee Zone – a 29-acre section of the site – where four soundstages and support infrastructure will be built. A second phase, pending further approval, would add eight additional stages and expand the footprint.
According to Netflix, the project is expected to create about 3,500 construction jobs and 1,400 permanent production roles once the facility is operational. The company has said the studio will serve as its primary East Coast hub.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy joined Netflix executives at the groundbreaking ceremony and praised the project’s expected economic and cultural impact. As part of the development agreement, Netflix has also committed to engaging local vendors and hosting public events to integrate the site with surrounding communities.
The total development cost is estimated at $1.21 billion. The project has been approved for up to $387 million in state tax incentives under New Jersey’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program.
Construction management and general contracting roles have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Full studio completion is scheduled for 2028.
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