Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given his support for a major new film studio development in Dagenham.
After visiting the proposed site in Dagenham East, Khan gave his approval for the construction of London's largest film studios, which will include six sound stages, production offices and set construction workshops.
The plans are backed by Barking and Dagenham Council, and have already received a £5m government grant as part of the Getting Building Fund. The proposed plot sits on former industrial land in Yewtree Avenue, and the development is expected to create 1,200 jobs and contribute £35m per year to the local economy.
Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said
Not only will our film studios make Dagenham London’s Hollywood, they will generate thousands of jobs and opportunities which is hugely important in the light of the gloomy economic outlook caused by Covid. These Dagenham studios will give hope to the people of Barking and Dagenham and to London as a whole.
A temporary film studios is already up and running in the borough, with major productions including Black Widow by Marvel and Morbius by Sony Pictures being made there.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
These spectacular new studios in Dagenham East will be a huge boost for the borough, the industry and our city. Our culture and creative industries have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, but our successful film and TV industries can play a key role in our economic recovery. These new studios will cement our position as a global capital for film and television, create 1,200 jobs and show the world that London is open to creativity – and always will be.
Regeneration company Be First is overseeing the development.
Update 22/03/2021: Since we first published this article, Hollywood real estate giant Hackman Capital Partners have taken control of the construction of what will become Eastbrook Studios. After an initial investment of £300 million, they've given the project another injection of cash to create a second studio site in Barking.
