A new 85,000 square metre TV and film studio in Reading has been given the go-ahead, with Disney set to be its first client.
Shinfield Studios, part of Blackhall Global Partners, has received full planning permission from Wokingham Borough Council to begin construction on a state-of-the-art studio facility, which will comprise 18 sound stages.
It will be located in Shinfield, Berkshire within the Thames Valley Science Park, becoming one of the largest film and TV studios in the UK.
Four of the complex’s sound stages have already been completed, following accelerated planning permission, with a Disney production confirmed to start in 2022, a further nine are due to open in 2023, with completion of the entire 18 stage facility expected by the end of 2024.
Once complete, Shinfield Studios expects to generate total inward investment to the UK economy of approximately £600 million each year.
The site will also include workshops, offices and a post production/screening facility; with facilities available for use by related service businesses including lighting, camera and props.
Shinfield Studios has been designed to embrace sustainable production and practices and all buildings will be constructed to BREEAM excellent standards. It will use solar panels, which the owners say will contribute to a typical reduction of 20 per cent in carbon emissions.
Nick Smith, joint managing director, Shinfield Studios said: “We are incredibly excited about the potential for Shinfield Studios, both as a significant contributor to the thriving UK film and TV industry and for its already proven ability to attract the world’s foremost story tellers and producers. Our goal has been to move rapidly to support our clients who need to secure space from next year. Completing the first four sound stages already has enabled us to get up and running quickly and deliver a state-of-the-art studio space to meet Disney’s needs.”
Ian Johnson, Shinfield’s other joint managing director, added: “It’s well documented that there is an ever-growing demand for studio space in the UK and we’re thrilled to be able to take advantage of this and create a world class home for the film and TV community within Berkshire. Wokingham Borough Council and the community of Shinfield have been incredibly supportive of this vision and we look forward to contributing to the employment and cultural opportunities in the local area.”
