Ealing’s famous Ealing Studios, is set to be brought up to date as the 120 year-old film production and recording site has now received planning permission from Ealing Council to update its facilities.
Earlier this year, it said a face lift for the site is much needed, which would include larger sound stage, more workshops and offices. Existing parts of the site which include iconic listed buildings will not be changed.
At a Council meeting held on 23 November 2022, councillors on the planning committee gave it the thumbs up for the studios to be improved.
The £20m development will see four new buildings ranging from four to six storeys being built.
Since 1902, the Ealing Studios has been home to many famous movies and TV programmes which have been filmed there including Passport To Pimlico, Dr Who, The Ladykillers and Sean Of The Dead.
Barnaby Thompson, partner at Ealing Studios, said: “Since the invention of film, Ealing Studios has been at the forefront of every new media revolution – and this is the next stage in our evolution, responding to a need for greater studio space as well as recognising the need to become a more sustainable industry.”
Mr Thompson added: “We thrilled to be celebrating our 120th birthday by building what we believe is the first Net Zero Carbon stage in the UK. We want the Studio to be a home for talent for generations to come.”
A computer generated image of how the entrance to Ealing Studios will look
During the consultation period, it revealed: “Our current facilities at Ealing Studios are outdated and need to be brought up to date to meet the current requirements of filming. To keep these studios operational and desirable for the growing and changing creative industry, we are bringing forward plans to modernise some of the existing spaces and preserve the studios’ position as a creative pioneer.”
It adds: “Our plans include creating a new, larger sound stage (in addition to the existing stages), alongside four new workshops, offices, and an entrance reception, security, and site hub. This will serve as the new face of Ealing Studios, and involves redeveloping part of the site. The rest of the site, including the listed buildings, does not form part of our plans.”
Map of new Ealing Studios. Blue marked buildings stay and red marked buildings will be replaced.
In July 2022, Ealing Studios held a public meeting to discuss plans and is inviting people to still take part.
Local MP, Rupa Huq visited Ealing Studios and encouraged people to take part in the consultation. In a tweet, she said:
Proud to be MP for @EalingStudios with such history: Ealing comedy, @DrWhoNews and @DowntonAbbey
New owner promising sympathetic extension (and restoration of original tired bits) preserving original famous facade
Check out plans and have your say here https://t.co/ryZKWTvWUi pic.twitter.com/WZRWY8GyYV
— Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) July 23, 2022
To find out more about Ealing Studios plans, click here.
