New expansion plans for Pinewood
FILM studio Pinewood Shepperton, which was refused permission for a major expansion earlier in the year, is to submit new plans.
Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric Pickles, knocked back a major development known as Project Pinewood at the site, now owned by Manchester-based Peel Group.
In today’s AGM statement little detail was given on the new plans.
It said: “The consideration of the future expansion of Pinewood Studios is ongoing. We are aiming to submit a planning application in the autumn.
“A long term plan for growth and investment at Pinewood Studios is necessary to remain globally competitive and respond to the changing needs and future demand of the screen and digital industries.”
Project Pinewood was to consist of 1,400 homes around streetscapes built to look like various overseas cities – Paris, New York and Amsterdam, for example. These would have been sold to homeowners but also used as backdrops to film sets.
The group also said it was also in talks with the Isle of Man Government “to source and advise on film investment opportunities for its £25m Media Development Fund”. A further announcement will be made in due course.
It added: “The company’s strategy has ensured that it has performed strongly during difficult economic conditions. The company continues to invest in its facilities to ensure high levels of utilisation and that it remains a leading destination of choice for producers of creative content.”
Pinewood has studios in Pinewood in Buckinghamshire, and Shepperton and Teddington in Middlesex. The 75-year-old production site has more than 34 stages and five television studios.
