Thamesmead film studio set to replace church

Plans have been submitted to demolish an industrial building containing a church and replace with a film studio in Thamesmead. Helix 3d are behind the venture.

Indie Zero plan to open on the Nathan Way site, and already have a website up and running.

The applicants state in approval should be given as “recent research undertaken by the GLA indicates an estimated demand for 177,000 sqm of additional film studio space in the UK, with London and the south-east expected to maintain its leading position at the forefront of the UK film industry.”

Documents reveal the site would comprise “primarily of the main recording studios and the studio workshop used of production spaces. All other parts of the building are ancillary to the film studio use, including a minor element of site offices, production offices, multimedia production suites and an ancillary ‘atrium’ breakout area for the use of staff and production crews.”

Thamesmead is of course closely linked to film. Clockwork Orange became synonymous with the town, with other films shot in town including Beautiful Thing and then TV show Misfits.

A large number of commercials and music videos also made use of the location, from Aphex Twin to Badly Drawn Boy (1 minute 15 seconds is along Harrow Manorway, for example).

None of the blocks facing Harrow Manorway now exist, as much of the post-war estate is demolished.