Take 2 for Made in Dagenham film studios plan

Aaron Morby 6 years ago
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Barking and Dagenham Council will go-ahead with plans to build a Hollywood-scale film studio in East London, despite its preferred development partner pulling out over Brexit uncertainty.

Council regneration company will now take on ambitious studio development plan
Council regneration company will now take on ambitious studio development plan

Pacifica Ventures, the studios where Breaking Bad was made, was preferred bidder for the Made in Dagenham studios.

But according to the council it failed to “progress matters sufficiently” and has lost its preferred bidder status.

Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company,  will now take on design and seek planning permission for the 20-acre former Sanofi site in Dagenham East.

The Dagenham East studios will provide up to 200 000 sq ft of film stages and workshops alongside creative workspace and food facilities.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “This is the next exciting stage in our ambition to build the largest studios in London for 25 years.

“If we get planning permission to build our Made in Dagenham studios, there are some exciting options – we could build them ourselves or we can work with any of the ambitious dynamic media companies who share our vision of making movies in what will be London’s Hollywood.”

Pat Hayes, Be First’s Managing Director, said: “Pacifica told us they were finding it difficult to deliver their plans due to uncertainty over the UK leaving the European Union.

“But what is not in doubt is the viability and demand for studio space in the UK which remains sky high, and that is why I am convinced there will be plenty of interest from parties who want to make sure movies will be Made in Dagenham.”

After last night’s council decision, Be First will submit a planning application in the New Year.

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