JK Rowling’s Harry Potter spin-off, starring Eddie Redmayne, to shoot in the city.

Eddie Redmayne

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is to shoot scenes in Liverpool, it has been announced.

Liverpool is the only non-studio location that Warner Bros. Pictures is using for the Harry Potter spin-off, scripted by author JK Rowling, with shooting set to start soon at key city centre locations.

Up to 530 cast and crew will be present in the city, with crew spotted preparing at sites including St George’s Hall, which was screened off with metal fences, and near the Three Graces (a set of three historic buildings on the waterfront at Liverpool’s Pier Head) over the past few weeks.

Filming on the production first began on Aug 17 at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden.

The film is directed by David Yates, who took the helm of the last four Harry Potter films and previously films scenes for Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows and his debut feature The Tichborne Claimant’ in Liverpool.

Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) stars as Newt Scamander, the wizarding world’s preeminent “magizoologist”. He stops in New York following his journeys to find and document magical creatures for what will eventually become the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Other cast members include Katherine Waterson, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jenn Murray, newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove and Colin Farrell.

Producers are David Heyman, Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

It will be released worldwide in 3D and IMAX on Nov 18, 2016.

Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for the Liverpool Film Office, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this huge production is taking place in Liverpool.

“We were one of many locations the production team were looking at, and for us to come out on top is a testament to the expertise, experience and enthusiasm of our Film Office, packaged with the stunning venues we have to offer.

“We are no stranger to big movies being filmed on the city streets, but without a doubt, J.K Rowling’s new adventure will cause a real buzz and re-emphasises Liverpool’s reputation as one of the most filmed cities outside of London.

“I’m sure we’ll give the cast and crew the usual warm Liverpool welcome and give them an unforgettable experience during their time here.”

Producer Heyman said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them to Liverpool, a city which has such fond memories for me.

“My mother is from Liverpool and, as a child, we would often visit family there. The architecture in this beautiful city works perfectly for our film, set in 1920s New York, and I know we will receive a very warm welcome.”

Previous films to shoot in location in Liverpool include Captain America: The First Avenger, Sherlock Holmes, Millions, Alfie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Fast and Furious 6, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Nowhere Boy and In the Name of the Father.