FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. — Netflix has officially broken ground on its $1 billion East Coast production hub at the former Fort Monmouth U.S. Army installation, a 292-acre site in Monmouth County that will be transformed into a major center for film and television production.
The development will include 12 cutting-edge soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, with additional space for production support, office use, and community amenities. The long-vacant site will be revitalized into a high-capacity, state-of-the-art studio campus expected to generate over 1,500 permanent jobs and approximately 3,500 construction-related positions.
“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We estimate that these studios will create thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents, billions of dollars in economic output, and many other cultural benefits to the region and state.”
The company stated that the new studio is expected to generate between $7.4 billion and $8.9 billion in economic output over the next two decades. The project is currently undergoing phased development, with demolition expected to take approximately 13 months and full operations projected to begin in 2028, pending final approvals.
Governor Phil Murphy joined Sarandos at the ceremony, calling the project a landmark moment for New Jersey’s creative economy. “As the birthplace of the motion picture industry, New Jersey couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Netflix — a name synonymous with 21st century entertainment — to the Garden State,” said Murphy. “This investment will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses.”
The groundbreaking drew broad support from state and local leaders, including Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., Oceanport Mayor Thomas J. Tvrdik, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, State Senators Vin Gopal and Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr., and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy added, “This state-of-the-art facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.”
Netflix has worked closely with the municipalities of Eatontown and Oceanport, as well as Monmouth County officials, over the past three years to advance the initial phase of the project. In that time, the company has also engaged with the local community, hosting two supplier networking events in 2024 and 2025, sponsoring the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival, and organizing Veterans Day events with Soldier On and JBJ Soul Kitchen.
Netflix’s East Coast studio will reshape the former military site into a production powerhouse, solidifying New Jersey’s role in the modern entertainment industry.
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