Hertsmere Council Approves Funds for Elstree Studios Future
Council commits up to £260,000 for valuations and consultancy to secure long-term operating model for iconic film studios.
By Samuel Crowe
••2 min read
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Generic image of a film studio building exterior with large doors and scattered cones, under a soft overcast sky.
Hertsmere Borough Council has approved further work and expenditure to secure the long-term future of Elstree Film Studios, ensuring its continued role in the UK's film and television industry.
The council's Cabinet, meeting on 11 November, agreed to proceed with due diligence and explore options for a preferred long-term operating model for the studios. A recommendation was made to Full Council to approve expenditure of up to £260,000. This funding will cover independent valuations, specialist consultancy, legal advice, and further assessment of potential options.
The investment is deemed necessary due to the ageing buildings and infrastructure at the studios, which require significant upgrades to remain competitive and meet the demands of the modern film and television sector. The review aims to enhance performance and profitability, attract investment, and reduce reliance on council funding. It will also support future opportunities for young people through apprenticeships.
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"Elstree Film Studios is one of the most important public assets owned by this council, and we have a very clear public obligation to ensure that not only does the public receive best value for it, but that it remains at the heart of our community, contributing to our local economy, operating as a functioning set of film and TV studios."
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"It is right that we are looking at the way forward, but I’m very clear: there is no way that I will allow those studios to be sold off for housing or any other purpose. They're going to continue to operate as studios and to support our local economy, provide jobs, skills, and training for local people, and critically, to enable this borough through our creative industries to play our role in the national, modern, industrial strategy."
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"Local residents, businesses and the screen sector can be certain that after over a century as an iconic set of studios, Elstree is going nowhere and will continue to thrive."
A comprehensive report detailing a preferred option, financial appraisal, legal and procurement advice, and an implementation plan is scheduled to be presented to Full Council by February, 2027.
