Plans for UK's largest film studios unveiled for Borehamwood

Following in the footsteps of Sky Studios Elstree, and joining Elstree Studios and BBC Elstree, the proposed 'Hertswood Studios' would put Borehamwood at the heart of the country’s film and television industry.

Consultancy firm Bidwells claim the studios complex would create thousands of new jobs in the area and contribute a billion pounds a year to the economy.

Ninety acres of land off Rowley Lane has been eyed up, next door to the approved 32 acre Sky Studios Elstree scheme, with the applicants hopeful that Hertsmere Borough Council will take the scheme forward in its upcoming local plan.

The land outlined has been mooted to become the country's largest film studios. The homes to the left is Well End and the Studio Way estate

The site proposals could see the delivery of 1 million sq. ft of film studio space, including 21 stages, supporting workshops, and a hotel for visiting film stars and crew.

Images have been released giving an insight into the proposals which also includes a college to operate alongside Elstree Screen Arts Academy.

Planning documents state Hertswood Studios, in Well End, could create an estimated 14,490 jobs with the college also offering hundreds of training and apprenticeships opportunities.

If the council gives the green light, work could begin in 2023.

Bidwells says it recognises the current congestion in Borehamwood, and is "committed to seeking green solutions" to limit impact on the environment and roads.

The firm says it is collaborating with Hertfordshire County Council on some "exciting" road improvements, with a possible park and ride and better bus links to train stations mooted.

Bidwells says due to the growing demand for filmed content, the film and TV industry has become "increasingly valuable" in terms of employment and investment – but a lack of new purpose-built space means there is up to 1.9 million sq. ft of new film studio space required in the UK, according to Lambert Smith Hampton.

The Department of International Trade and the British Film Comission have both penned letters to the council in support of this scheme for Borehamwood.

The studios would be built next door to Sky Studios Elstree, which could open in 2022

Sky Studios development is shown on land between the A1 and Rowley Lane

Iain Keys, partner in fund management at Bidwells, said: "Our proposals for Hertswood Studios will help cement the UK’s position at the top by providing grade-A purpose-built space in the most prime location.

"In addition, with approximately three-quarters of the UK’s film industry based in and around London, investors and companies will benefit from a location that is part of the UK’s biggest film and TV cluster – making it easy to attract and retain talent."

"Looking ahead, we plan on working closely with the forward-thinking Hertsmere Borough Council to deliver this scheme and progress with consulting the local communities that reside in the area and build on the incredibly rich film heritage of Elstree."

The land in Rowley Lane was among 21 new employment sites put forward to the council as part of its local plan.

The local plan will help shape the development of Borehamwood and the rest of Hertsmere over the next 15 years.

For this particular scheme to go ahead, it would likely need to be adopted within the local plan before going through the full normal planning process.

More details on this proposal can be found here.