Plans to create Europe’s largest TV and film studio facility at Waltham Cross have been dropped by the developer.
First announced in 2022, Sunset Waltham Cross Studios was expected to create over 4,800 jobs, with 21 sound stages as well as ancillary workshops, offices and amenities located at junction 25 of the M25.
The studios promised to target Net Zero in terms of carbon output with the landscaping around the site expected to improve the biodiversity of the local area.
However, the owners have informed Broxbourne Council they are exploring alternative uses for the site amid an ongoing pause in the project.
Development of the site was paused in 2023 following a change in global market conditions, and the owners of the site, a joint venture between Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties, are now undertaking a feasibility study to look at alternate uses, said the council.
Speaking about the decision, Mark Mills- Bishop, leader of Broxbourne Council said: “I am extremely disappointed to learn that the planned Sunset Studios facility will now not proceed. It is my understanding that the market conditions are currently not favourable for new film studios across the UK.”
The joint venture owners added: “We are grateful to Broxbourne Council for all their support towards this project to date. We share their disappointment that a studio development is no longer feasible at this time given market conditions.”
