The Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee has approved new Hollywood-style film studios in Dagenham, east London.
The proposals for the film studios include six world-class sound stages totalling about 140,000ft² (1x 30,000ft² and 5×22,000ft²), flexible accommodation next to the sound stages for production offices, hair and makeup or dressing rooms and conversion of the two existing buildings into workshops for set construction as well as associated industry users.
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Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell said: “This is a huge decision for the borough. It gives the green light to what will be London’s largest film studios, so it’s a major milestone in the renewal of a part of London badly hit by de-industrialisation and austerity.
“The new Dagenham studios sit alongside one of the largest data centres in the UK and the UCL’s innovative PEARL project, and there are also plans to relocate the City of London’s wholesale markets to a site nearby. This will mean thousands of jobs and educational opportunities for local people.
“So, where once Dagenham was known for Ford’s and factories, we will be making films and a new bright new future for our borough and its residents.”
The plans also include a landmark office building for the pre-and post-production in addition to space for associated creative industry businesses.
The proposed project will incorporate key sustainability measures, including green roofs. Nearly 1,200 jobs are expected to be created in the studios.
Be First, the regeneration company of Barking and Dagenham Council is currently in discussions to find a development partner.
Be First managing director Pat Hayes said: “We’ve had a great deal of interest in the site and with planning permission secured the interest will intensify. With the ever-growing demand for studio space in the UK, we’re in a very good position to take this project forward.”
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The film studios will include six world-class sound stages totalling about 140,000ft². (Credit: BeFirst)
