04/02/2013 - Industry bigwigs support new proposal

After failing last year to win Government approval for an ambition expansion plan, the Pinewood Shepperton group has submitted a fresh £200 million planning application to South Bucks District Council for the expansion of Pinewood Studios, called the Pinewood Studios Development Framework (PSDF).  The studio hopes to support 8100 fulltime jobs, create 3100 additional jobs, provide additional contribution to the Exchequer of £36m per annum and generate an additional £37m per annum in UK exports.

The previous, rejected, application had proposed the creation of some 1400 homes that would have simulated the streets of Venice, Paris and New York. The current application does not contain this proposal.

Pinewood CEO Ivan Dunleavy said, “Global demand for filmed entertainment is increasing and the UK remains one of the leading destinations to produce creative content. Without infrastructure to meet the rising demand, the UK will inevitably turn away business. Pinewood Studios, the UK film industry and UK plc cannot afford to allow this to happen.”

The new proposal has attracted the support of British industry heavyweights including Danny Boyle, Eric Fellner, Ridley Scott and the British Film Institute (BFI). Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive, BFI said, “The capacity of the studios in the UK to respond to opportunities is key to the on-going success of British film. In order to secure inward investment and help develop and nurture the next generation of home grown talent, the BFI supports Pinewood’s ambitions to expand and invest”.