Sadiq Khan unveils plan to build London’s biggest film studios in Dagenham

An artist's impression of the plans (Image: Archant)

The Mayor of London has commissioned a feasibility study into creating the capital’s first new TV and film production studios for decades in front of Londoneast-uk, in Rainham Road South.

Working in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Council and the London Local Enterprise Panel (LEEP), the process will be led by Film London in close consultation with the film and television industries.

The former Sanofi site was picked because of its size and rail connections, with the District line and Crossrail services nearby.

“From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world,” said Mr Khan.

“To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximise the opportunities for filmmaking.

“London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capital’s film industry thrive for years to come.”

The biggest US studio-backed productions can bring more than £100 million in to the UK and new studios would enable London to bid successfully for more overseas film productions.

The council and LEEP will invest up to £80,000 to develop a business case for the proposed new studios, looking at the demand and economic benefits.

Council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “We are working together to create a blockbuster deal to generate hundreds of exciting opportunities for local young people and bolster Barking and Dagenham’s reputation as London’s latest creative hotspot.

“Our ambition, is that in future, Dagenham will become world famous for films rather than Ford’s.”