Derby film studio plans take major step forward
Plans to transform the former Aida Bliss factory in Derby into a major film studio have taken a huge step forward after Damien Walters Limited, working in conjunction with MARV Studios, completed the purchase of the 80,000 sq ft premises on City Road from Derby City Council.
£13m proposals to transform the Chester Green site into a purpose-built studio complete with a fitness and rehabilitation centre, a publicly accessible gym and Europe’s first ever dedicated stunt training facility were submitted to the City Council last year.
Planning bosses subsequently granted temporary planning permission for parts of the premises to be used for film-making purposes for a period of nine months following the sale of the derelict building.
Detailed plans to fully repurpose the site are expected to be submitted now the acquisition has been rubber-stamped, with construction work slated to begin at the end of Q4 2023.
Subject to planning, Derby City Gymnastics Club and Gym will relocate from Chapel Street, with the stunt training academy being incorporated into the new gym.
Three film studios will be created within the older part of the building, which runs down the full length of City Road. The final phase of the scheme involves the delivery of a new rehabilitation centre for elite sportspeople and the wider stunt industry.
Damien Walters Limited was represented by Rigby & Co and Geldards. Derby City Council was represented by Freeths.
Walters, a stuntman and ex-gymnast, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have concluded the purchase of this property, and I’d like to pay huge thanks to all the people working on both sides of the deal for all their hard work.
“We have already been rehearsing one major movie in the building and anticipate further rehearsal and production work to take place over the summer and into autumn, when we hope to secure planning to then deliver the first phase of the major building project at the beginning of next year.”
MARV Studios, for whom Walters acts as a spokesperson, is the company behind global blockbusters including Kingsman, Stardust and Rocketman.
(L to R): Ward councillors Martin Repton and Carmel Swan; Damien Walters; Cllr Nadine Peatfield; ward councillor Alison Martin and Russell Rigby
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism at Derby City Council, said: “We are working hard to build a really healthy, proud and vibrant Derby and this investment is great news. It’s a positive show of confidence in the city and its people. These are ambitious plans which, if approved, will bring welcome diversification to the city economy, and create exciting jobs and opportunities for the people of Derby.”
Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, who brokered the deal, added: “We have been working hard for the past three years to try and secure the very best fit in terms of property, to enable Damien and the wider team to deliver something that once complete, will be truly jaw dropping.
“This level of investment in the mixed-use property will launch Derby onto the global map for film production, and stunt training.”
