The £110m proposals include sound stages and workshops on a 22-acre former Sanofi pharmaceutical factory site in Dagenham East.
Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, is presently in talks to find a development partner following the withdrawal last year of Pacific Ventures, which pulled out over Brexit uncertainty.
The regeneration body is aiming to secure a joint venture agreement, a land sale or for Be First to build the studios and lease the site to an interested party.
Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First 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.”
Film studios plan
- six sound stages totalling 140,000 sq ft
- flexible accommodation adjacent to the sound stages for uses such as production offices, hair and makeup or dressing rooms
- conversion of two existing buildings into workshops for set construction
- a landmark office building for the pre and post production
- key sustainability measures, including green roofs
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council hailed the planing decision last night as ‘momentous’.
He 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.
“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.”
