Netflix breaks ground on $1b production hub at fort monmouth in new jersey

EATONTOWN, N.J. — Netflix officially began construction Monday on a $1 billion film and television production facility at Fort Monmouth, transforming a former U.S. Army base into what the company calls a “premier East Coast production hub.”

The 292-acre site in Monmouth County will house 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, along with supporting spaces for production and community amenities. The project is expected to bring thousands of jobs and billions in economic output to the state, according to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” Sarandos said at the 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.”

Photo: netflix breaks ground on $1b production hub at fort monmouth in new jersey

Governor Phil Murphy called the groundbreaking a major step for the state’s entertainment sector. “The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production,” Murphy said, adding that the studio would help drive job growth and business traffic across the region.

The event drew support from state and local officials, including New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone, and Eatontown and Oceanport mayors. “Today’s groundbreaking of the Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth brings our vision of making New Jersey the premier destination for world-class film and television to fruition,” Tammy Murphy said.

Facility expected to open in 2028

The former Army installation has remained largely unused for over a decade. In 2022, Netflix announced its intention to acquire and redevelop the site. Demolition is expected to take about 13 months, and the studio could open in 2028, pending final approvals.

Over the past three years, Netflix worked with Eatontown, Oceanport and Monmouth County to advance the project. The initial phase includes infrastructure upgrades and community engagement efforts, including vendor networking events and support for local film festivals.

Netflix hosted supplier events earlier this year to connect with New Jersey businesses and sponsored the Count Basie Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival in Red Bank. The company has also held community events, including Veterans Day cookouts with JBJ Soul Kitchen and Soldier On.

Netflix said it sees the Fort Monmouth studio as part of a broader investment in domestic production. “Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the US economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members,” Sarandos said.

Netflix’s East Coast expansion aims to build out a local production ecosystem while repurposing underutilized public land into a long-term economic asset.

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