Camden Film Quarter, a landmark £1 billion creative-led regeneration project in north London that will create one of the UK’s and Europe’s most significant film and television production campuses, has been granted planning approval by Camden Council.
Located just five minutes’ walk from Kentish Town Underground and Thameslink stations and within easy reach of Kentish Town West Overground station, Camden Film Quarter brings together 11 state-of-the-art purpose-built sound stages, production and post-production facilities, creative workspace, specialist education, new homes including 50% affordable housing, public parks and community infrastructure in a single integrated masterplan.
The project is the first development of its kind in the world, combining world-class film and television production facilities with dedicated screen industry education, affordable housing, creative employment space and major new public realm at this scale.
Designed by the Camden based architect SPPARC as a complete creative ecosystem, Camden Film Quarter creates a direct pathway from education to employment, bringing together the National Film and Television School, London Screen Academy, creative businesses, production companies and future talent within one connected neighbourhood.
The approved proposals will deliver:
• 11 state-of-the-art purpose-built sound stages operated by Oxygen Studios.
• 485 new homes, including 243 affordable homes delivered in partnership with Places for People.
• Approximately 3,960 direct operational jobs and 5,155 net additional jobs overall.
• More than 100,000 sq ft of creative, production and employment space.
• Facilities for more than 500 learners through the National Film and Television School and London Screen Academy.
• Approximately 1.1 hectares (2.8 acres) of publicly accessible open space.
• 301 new trees and approximately 190% Biodiversity Net Gain.
• A new enclosed Reuse and Recycling Centre designed to deliver safer, cleaner and more efficient waste and recycling services for Camden.
• The long-term conservation and reuse of the Grade II listed Kentish Town Police Station.
Camden Film Quarter is the vision of Yoo Capital, whose other work includes the £1.3 billion reimagining of the Olympia exhibition, events, and cultural district in West Kensington, London, as well as the revival of the Saville Theatre and Hotel and the Shepherd’s Bush Market.
The project has been developed alongside a team of leading partners including SPPARC (masterplan, studios and mixed-use design), Places for People and Broadway Malyan (housing), Oxygen Studios (studio operations), Montagu Evans (planning, historic environment and townscape), Spacehub (landscape architecture), Momentum Transport Consultancy (transport), Atelier Ten (sustainability) and a wider team of specialist consultants.
Together, the project represents a new model for urban regeneration where people can live, learn, work and play within a single integrated place.
Lloyd Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Yoo Capital, said: “Camden Film Quarter is much more than a film studio development. It is a complete creative ecosystem that brings together production, education, employment, homes, culture and public space within a single integrated vision.
“At a time when the UK screen sector requires new infrastructure to remain globally competitive, Camden Film Quarter demonstrates how the creative industries can act as a catalyst for transformational regeneration. By creating a place where people can learn, create, work, live and play, we are delivering a new model for urban communities and one of the most significant creative industry districts anywhere in Europe.
“The project reflects our belief that development should be both fiscally and socially responsible. The studios provide the economic engine that helps deliver affordable homes, education, public space, community infrastructure and long-term opportunities for local people. We are grateful to Camden Council, local residents, businesses, community organisations and our partners who have helped shape this vision over many years.”
Simon Lear, Managing Director of Camden Film Quarter, said: “Camden Council’s decision reflects years of collaboration, consultation and design development. Camden Film Quarter has evolved through extensive engagement with residents, businesses, community groups, schools, elected members and officers to ensure it responds to the aspirations of the Regis Road Growth Area.
“Alongside world-class creative industry facilities, the project will deliver 485 homes, including 243 affordable homes, significant new public open space, education facilities supporting more than 500 learners, new jobs and long-term investment into Kentish Town. We look forward to continuing to work with local stakeholders as the project progresses.”
