Gov. Phil Murphy speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for Netflix’s new studio campus in Fort Monmouth — Courtesy: Netflix
By Joshua Burd
Demolition is underway for Netflix’s long-awaited, $1 billion project to create a 1.1 million-square-foot studio campus at the historic Fort Monmouth property.
The streaming giant joined Gov. Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy and other dignitaries on Tuesday for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site, where plans call for 12 cutting-edge soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, plus support facilities and community amenities that will serve as its East Coast production hub. That will transform 292 acres in Eatontown and Oceanport, roughly a quarter of the 1,126-acre former U.S. Army base, as part of a highly anticipated project that the company announced in 2022.
Demolition is expected to take around 13 months, Netflix said, while the studio is projected to open in 2028.
“Netflix is proud to invest in American innovation and the creative community,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “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. Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members. And we’re excited to continue our investment in the U.S. and New Jersey in the coming years.”
The company, which said it needs further approvals before it can fully undertake construction, took a critical step forward late last year when it secured a 10-year, $387 million tax credit award under New Jersey’s Aspire program.
“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,” Gov. Murphy said. “The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators to the state. We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs and bring more patrons to our local businesses.”
Other officials at the groundbreaking ceremony included Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., Oceanport Mayor Thomas J. Tvrdik, state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, state Sen. Vin Gopal, Sen. Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr. and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.
“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. “As a global leader in entertainment and innovative storytelling, Netflix has completely reshaped the industry as we know it today. While I look forward to seeing more New Jersey landscapes grace screens around the world, I am even more excited for the economic potential this studio brings to our state. From thousands of good-paying jobs to new opportunities for local businesses, expanded education and more, this state-of-the-art facility will create lasting benefits for the residents of our state for many years to come.”
Netflix one step closer to 1.2 million sq. ft. Fort Monmouth hub with $387 million Aspire award
