VolkerFitzpatrick win contract to construct Eastbrook Studios, London
VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed by Hackman Capital Partners and its affiliate, The MBS Group, to construct Eastbrook Studios, London’s largest film and television production centre, in Dagenham, East London. The £174m development will include 12 sound stages, three acres of backlot, offices and ancillary space, totalling over half a million square feet.
Having together created the world’s largest film and television studio platform, HCP and The MBS Group were selected by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council to develop and operate this important new production facility.
Eastbrook Studios will be a major boost for LBBD, the City of London and the UK entertainment industry at large, creating an estimated 1,200 jobs, contributing £35 million per year to the local economy and inspiring more development into thriving East London.
VolkerFitzpatrick started work on the 26-acre site in August by modifying two existing warehouses, as well as providing groundworks and piling, before construction of the new steel framed buildings commence. Designed by master planning architect, PRP, the state-of-the-art studios will be completed in 2024.
Eastbrook Studios has been designed to embrace sustainable production, through collaboration with the supply chain. The buildings will be constructed to BREEAM excellent standards, incorporating sustainable site accommodation and smart metering of all high load site usage. VolkerFitzpatrick will also adhere to its renewable energy and sustainable transport strategies.
The project is committed to engaging with the local community and minimising its environmental impact. This will include working with local supply chain contractors and providing local employment opportunities including placements, apprenticeships and community outreach over the course of the scheme.
Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s building division, commented: “We are delighted that Eastbrook Studios has chosen VolkerFitzpatrick to construct London’s largest film studios. With our expertise in constructing large volume space, modern offices, and an extensive external works capability, this project plays to the strengths of our business and our experienced team. The project will provide much needed sound stage capacity for the industry, as well as realising a valuable regeneration opportunity for one of London’s most exciting and fastest growing boroughs.”
Jason Hariton, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer, Hackman Capital Partners, commented: “We are delighted for these new world-class production facilities in East London to now be taking shape. Our continued investment in the area will deliver significant and necessary additional infrastructure to meet the demands of the UK’s booming creative industries, while creating generational opportunities for the local community. We are pleased to be working with VolkerFitzpatrick to bring this exciting project to fruition.”
Alistair Weir. Partner, PRP Architects, commented: “The Eastbrook Studios is a great project to be involved with. It is great to see the project plans becoming a reality and I very much look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming months.”