Marlow Studios has been granted planning approval.
The announcement follows a long-running saga which saw the proposal for a new creative campus near Marlow, Buckinghamshire face a public inquiry and scrutiny at the highest levels of government.
Approval for the project, which had received backing from The Terminator and Titanic director, James Cameron, was granted by Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The decision stated Marlow Studios would “attract global investment” as well as contributing towards “maintaining international competitiveness.”
The development, which aims to harness the power of AI to “revolutionise the art of storytelling”, will feature 18 studio soundstages, flexible workspaces and a culture and skills academy.
Commenting on the decision, Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Studios, said, “The Secretary of State’s determination is a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries. It is very welcome news. This is a meaningful decision for anyone who believes in the UK’s future, our nation’s creative genius, and our unmatched capability to inspire the world.
“For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision. It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster,” added Layock.
“We know that Marlow Studios will be a media campus like no other—offering the world’s creative businesses a bespoke facility, leading in emerging technology and design that drives creativity and storytelling. The global creative sector is growing fast, with a pace of change that is driving new investment. New platforms, new technology, including AI and new ways of telling stories require a different approach. Marlow Studios will be the campus that drives creative collaboration for the coming era.”
Chair of Marlow Studios’ advisory board, former Culture Minister, Lord Ed Vaizey, added, “This is wonderful news for our world-beating film sector and wider creative industries. Marlow Studios will be a huge investment in Britain’s future. It will be one of the most technically advanced studios in the world, helping the industry harness and to adapt to the latest developments. Only by doing this will the UK continue to be the world’s preferred destination for investment and storytelling.
“Marlow will also be a centre for cultivating the next generation of talent—teaching our young people the skills the industry needs, ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future. It will also be one of the most sustainable campuses of its kind, providing quality work and recreation space for both users and the local community.”
