FILMING demands have prompted a proposal to build an extra film studio at the Thames Valley Science Park, dubbed “Cine Valley”.
Shinfield Studios has submitted plans for a temporary building, named Workshop T1.2, for a period of five years as the company requires additional workshop space.
The plans to transform Thames Valley Science Park, which is owned by the University of Reading, into a ‘creative media hub’ for film and TV production were approved in October last year.
While much of the park will be dedicated to scientific research, a substantial portion of it is being dedicated to cinematography at Shinfield Studios, which has been described as a ‘new powerhouse of British film, TV production and innovation’.
If the extension is approved, the site will be up and running this summer after an urgent request for the space from the studio occupier to support its film production – ahead of the other buildings being completed.
The proposed new 750 square-metre workshop would be located in the southern area of Shinfield Studios, which lies to the south of Cutbush Lane.
Workshop T1.2 would be 30 metres x 25 metres, with a total height of 10.3 metres.
The proposal also includes the provision of 15 car parking spaces on the agricultural field to the south of the site.
Construction of the previously approved plans have already begun, which will eventually see the development of 18 sound stages and seven workshops for film and TV making, five offices to support filming activities, and a central hub.
Four of the stages have now been built and it is hoped that the remaining 14 will be completed in 2024.
Shinfield Studios joint managing director, Nick Smith, said: “We are now well on our way to creating a world-leading media hub in the heart of Berkshire.
“Alongside the four stages already constructed, we expect another two stages to open at the end of this year, seven in 2023 and the completion of the entire 18 stage facility in 2024.”
Last December, it was confirmed that Disney will be the first clients to use Shinfield Studios once some of the stages are ready for use.
When complete, the hub will have spaces for 1,375 cars, 154 electric vehicle charging points, 64 motorbike spaces and 160 cycle spaces.
Shinfield Studios, part of Blackhall Global Partners, expects the hub to generate around £600m a year for the UK economy and estimates the project will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the area.
