Dreamland Studios, an ambitious audiovisual and virtual reality hub, is on the brink of becoming a reality in Gran Canaria, following a major step forward in the project’s development.
The Telde City Council has officially submitted the necessary documentation to the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, signalling its support for the project and requesting that it be declared of insular interest.
The initiative, backed by Grupo Newport and the Lopesan Group, aims to transform the area surrounding El Cortijo golf course into one of the largest audiovisual production centres in southern Europe.
Plans include a 6,000-square-metre main soundstage, a 2,500-square-metre auxiliary studio, and a 1,600-square-metre water tank for underwater filming. The complex will also house a research and development laboratory specialising in virtual and augmented reality, along with a high-tech theme park.
With an estimated investment of around €100 million, Dreamland Studios is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the growth of the Canary Islands’ audiovisual sector. Beyond boosting local industry, the project represents a strategic effort to diversify Gran Canaria’s economy and enhance its global standing in media and technology.
A Failed Start in Fuerteventura
Before setting its sights on Gran Canaria, the project faced challenges in Fuerteventura, where it was initially supported by the island council in 2022. However, the proposal encountered strong political and social opposition, fuelled by concerns over environmental impact and a lack of political consensus.
These obstacles, compounded by a shift in local government after the elections, ultimately halted the project and prompted developers to look for a more favourable location.
Lanzarote Shows No Interest
Lanzarote was also considered as a potential site, but the promoters were met with limited interest and a lack of viable land options. The then-government of the island, led by Dolores Corujo, did not offer firm backing, closing the door on any possibility of the project moving forward there.
Now, with strong support from Telde’s municipal government and growing momentum at the island level, Dreamland Studios appears closer than ever to becoming a landmark development in Gran Canaria’s cultural and economic landscape.
