Permission has been granted for a new studio development at London’s former Gillette Factory.
Under plans submitted by developer The Vinyl Factory, six new sound stages and office accommodation will be built on the landmark site in Syon Lane, Isleworth. The facility will specialise in film, digital content creation and virtual production.
It is estimated the development will provide more than 3,400 permanent jobs, in addition to 801 building jobs during the construction phase. The location contains a number of listed elements, none of which will be demolished, although other non-listed buildings will be removed.
Following a series of improvements to the design proposals, the plans were unanimously approved by members of the London Borough of Hounslow Planning Committee, subject to completion of Section 106 agreements and Stage 2 Greater London Authority approval.
Quoted in a local media report, Councillor Salman Shaheen, member for culture, leisure and public spaces at Hounslow Council, said, “The iconic Gillette Building on the Golden Mile is a vital part of Hounslow’s history and now, with this decision, the area will play a vital part in Hounslow’s future as a burgeoning hub for film production and the creative enterprises.
“I welcome this fantastic development, sitting within a Creative Enterprise Zone and one of our key focus areas for growth and jobs, as it will help put Hounslow on the map, not just as a place where culture is consumed, but where it is produced.”
