PHOTOS show a Dorset quarry being transformed into a set to film a scene for a new Star Wars TV series.
The disused Winspit Quarry, based near the rural village of Worth Matravers on the East Dorset coast, has been closed to residents and tourists since Tuesday, April 27 to allow production teams set up.
The Echo understands that it is for a new Star Wars TV series, likely to be Andor, which will serve as a prequel to 2016’s Rogue One and focus on the early formation of the Rebellion.
The Disney+ series has already started filming in England, with lead actor Diego Luna and stormtroopers spotted filming on a beach in Cleveleys, Lancashire.
Some scenes are being filmed at Winspit Quarry, near Worth Matravers, over the next two weeks with more film crews set to arrive in the coming days.
View our interactive gallery at the top of this article to see photos of the TV set
Multiple signs have been tied to gates and posts in the area announcing that Winspit Quarry will be closed until Friday, May 21.
They read: “The producers and crew would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during the preparation and filming of this production. Thank you for your cooperation.”
While the main footpath into the quarry is closed, people can walk above the site and can look onto the set.
Visiting the scene on Friday, May 7, security guards were at each entry point and only allowing film crews or vehicles into the area.
Production crews were seen transporting what appeared to be props in a trailer covered by a blue sheet.
A number of weathered props could be seen together in a pile which appeared to be pieces of sci-fi equipment and technology. These could imply what planet within the Star Wars universe the scene could be based on.
An ambulance from Polaris Medical Services, which offers medical assistance at film sets, was also there.
Filming has been rumoured to start from Monday, May 10 but this has not been confirmed.
The derelict Winspit Quarry has been used as a filming location over the years, including for classic Doctor Who and Blake 7 TV series. It was also featured as a scene location for the ‘Orkney Dig’ in the 2012 Disney film John Carter.
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