Historic buildings need upgrading to remain at forefront of filmmaking
Ealing Studios as they are currently
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Major plans are underway to upgrade Ealing's historic Studios which it's claimed will bring more creative productions and additional employment to the area.
The oldest working studios in the world have been operating since 1902. Home of the classic Ealing Comedies series from the 1950s and more recently productions have included The Durrells, Downton Abbey and Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho.
However, Ealing Studios management says the current facilities are now outdated and need to be upgraded and modernised to meet current filming requirements and preserve their position as a 'creative pioneer''.
Ealing Studios buildings
The plans include creating a new, larger sound stage (in addition to the existing stages), as well as four new workshops, offices, a new entrance reception, security, and site hub which will serve as the new face of Ealing Studios. It will involve demolishing and redeveloping part of the site but any listed buildings will not form part of this work.
Proposal for new Studios entrance
The map below illustrates (in red) a number of blocks and the areas to be demolished and redeveloped.
A consultation has been launched and earlier this month a drop in event was held at the West London college.
Local residents have reportedly largely welcomed the plans, which due to the nature of the Studios location aren't expected to cause any undue inconvenience.
Labour Councillor, Gareth Shaw, on behalf of the Walpole Ward Councillors said:
'' We are aware of the plans for the redevelopment of Ealing Studios and have examined them carefully. Ealing Studios has been carrying out a consultation with residents living nearby and interested community groups and residents’ associations. Walpole Councillors have not been contacted by any residents to raise any issues or concerns about the proposals and we understand that the consultation feedback has generally been positive.
''The proposals will help to modernise the existing facilities including additional solar panels for power generation, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking. We will respond to the formal planning application once it is submitted, and it will be up to the Planning Committee to take the final decision of whether or not the plans put forward are allowed."
A spokesperson for Ealing Studios told us:
'' We held a consultation event to discuss the plans on 7th July, and have been meeting with community groups and representatives as well as councillors and our site neighbours to discuss the proposals in more detail. We are accepting community feedback formally until Friday 22nd July, and will continue to work with our neighbours and the community as we prepare the plans.
''Our plans do not include the listed buildings, and the existing soundstages would remain in use during any construction We hope to submit a planning application in August, and would expect that, if the application is approved, construction would take around 18 months.''
A specialist consultation firm has been employed to deal with community engagement. Kanda Consulting is the agency and can be contacted here.
Full details of the plans can be found here.
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July 21, 2022
