Written by Kianna Best on Oct 14, 2022. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Stage Fifty submits development plans for Wycombe Film Studios

On 13 October, Stage Fifty announced their submission to Buckinghamshire Council for the development of Wycombe Film Studios. With a decision to me made in January 2023, the opening of the studio is projected to support around 1,200 jobs and produce an economic output of GBP 305 million.

 

 

"Our goal is to build a studio that is not only sustainable in its construction but a place where people are excited to work in the heart of Buckinghamshire,” commented James Enright, CEO of Stage Fifty. “Ultimately, we want Wycombe Film Studios to set the benchmark, attracting filmmakers from all over the world."

 

Just off of the M40, near High Wycombe, the 26 acre site will aim to become a fully sustainable film studio alongside contributing its spaces to high quality productions. As a result of infrastructure development and the influx of activity coming in to the area, their relationship with neighbouring areas is of key interest for the newest Stage Fifty project.

 

 

Plans will include tree scanning and green walls that will allow the structure to blend into its natural surroundings, seamlessly fitting in with surrounding communities such as Claymoor Park. Designed with specially crafted cladding and faded grading, the studio will be able to blend into the landscape and skyline.

 

"The team at Stage Fifty have been really helpful and interested in being a good neighbour from the start of the project,” said Claymoor Park resident Alan France. “They've taken our feedback on board and have tried to adjust their plan to meet our requests. This is a unique opportunity to bring a prestigious high-growth business and the jobs associated with it to land designated as a strategic employment area."

 

 

According to the British Film institute, approximately 60% of production budgets are spent locally. As a result, with production budgets set as around GBP 50 million per project, the boost to local industry is inevitable.

 

With an ethos centred in environmental sustainability, the construction of the studio will incorporate structures and processes that will reduce the overall carbon footprint of the site. Low-level buildings clad in timber and green roof will not only allow the facilities to be incorporated into the Buckinghamshire country sides, but also promote a more sustainable future in filmmaking.

 

 

Images courtesy of Stage Fifty