The decision on plans to build a film studio in Marlow in Buckinghamshire in the UK has been deferred by the local council until next year.
The proposal for Marlow Film Studios, a 36-hectare plot built upon a former landfill site, was presented to Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee yesterday (October 23) with six voting in favour and five against.
Top industry names had voiced their support for the studios including director Sam Mendes; producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin; producer Pippa Harris; former BFI CEO Amanda Nevill; American Film Institute chair Howard Stringer; and CEO of global drama at Fremantle, Christian Vesper.
However, the project has also received strong opposition from environmental campaign groups claiming the studios will increase traffic, air pollution and risk of flooding while disrupting wildlife and the local landscape.
Planned with £750 million in investment, the proposal promises to create over 4,000 jobs and bring £3.5bn to the local economy within the first 10 years. In addition to sound stages, workshops, offices and studios, the site would also include a new transport hub, a community building, 75 acres dedicated to recreation, new wildlife habitats and a culture and skills academy hub.
A decision will now be made by the council in March 2024 after further analysis has taken place.
Buckinghamshire is already home to Pinewood Studios, which was approved for an extension earlier this year, as well as Wycombe Film Studios which is in the midst of development.
Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, said: “We strongly believe that Buckinghamshire deserves this opportunity to maintain and grow its position as a globally significant player in the UK’s creative economy which is backed by Central Government’s commitment to support a growth industry. We will continue to work diligently with officers to provide beneficial solutions for the area and deliver the world’s best studio.”
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