The race to find the operator for London’s largest film studios which will be built in Dagenham has been launched today.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Photographer David Bailey, left, with Darren Rodwell at the site of the new studios. Picture: Andrew BakerPhotographer David Bailey, left, with Darren Rodwell at the site of the new studios. Picture: Andrew Baker (Image: Archant)

Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, is inviting bids to run the first new TV and film production studios in the city for a quarter of a century.

A feasibility study estimates the 20-acre world-class facility, which is fit for Hollywood, will create 780 jobs and bring £35million to the national economy.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We want a visionary partner to help us make the Made in Dagenham film studios fact not fiction.”

“We want these studios to be on a scale Steven Spielberg can be proud of, but more importantly we want them to benefit local people.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Photographer David Bailey, left, with Darren Rodwell at the site of the new studios. Picture: LBBDPhotographer David Bailey, left, with Darren Rodwell at the site of the new studios. Picture: LBBD (Image: Archant)

“The winner of the bid doesn’t necessarily have to be big, but needs to think big.”

Formal tenders must be placed by March 16.

Visit dagenham-studios.com for more details.