Press play on new film studios in Ashford
Rumoured for streaming giants such as Netflix & Amazon with plans now approved
At a time when production companies have had to put all filming on hold, but demand for their services booms, excitement for post lockdown opportunities is on the rise. Last night, local councillors met (over virtual meeting) and approved plans for Ashford International Film Studios, which will boast 240,000 square feet of production space costing developers Quinn estates an estimated £250million.
The application was submitted in October 2019 to transform the disused 13 acre Newtown rail works site, the former home of a locomotive manufacturing company that was abandoned in the 1980’s. The Grade II listed locomotive sheds will be maintained in the original facade with the modern new area sitting behind the old, all cleverly designed by renowned local architects Hollaway Studios. The studio space will be in a prime location close to the recently expanded designer outlet and International station with services to London in just 37 minutes via HS1 and the continent. The scheme is estimated to add £100 million a year to Ashford's economy as well as more than 2,000 full-time jobs.
The studio plan will also feature production facilities, serviced and independent apartments, gym, restaurant, a multi-storey car park and an 18-storey hotel, which is set to become Ashford's tallest building.
Netflix and Amazon are rumoured to be among the streaming giants to express an interest in the scheme. The Ashford studios form part of a wider project by The Creative District Improvement Company to invest £500m in new studio space in the UK as part of its commitment to UK industry and talents.
Sandersons have always been passionate about Ashford as a town and felt so confident about its future potential when we decided to open a new office in the town centre 11 years ago. That confidence has continued to grow over the years as we have witnessed it transform into a rejuvenated area and highly desirable place to live, work, visit, study and enjoy socially. We have been involved in supporting everyone from first time buyers to investors, landlords and major new homes developers in transactions across the town. If you would like to talk to us in more detail about the impact the recent growth has had on the Ashford property market in the past and projections for the future, please contact our experienced team.
CGI images: Hollaway Studios on behalf of Quinn Estates