Work has begun on building permanent film studio space at Shinfield Studios that will ‘bring Hollywood’ to the Reading area.
‘Phase two’ of Shinfield Studios in Thames Valley Science Park is currently under construction, and once completed will provide 18 sound stages for film and TV production companies to use.
The science park, which is owned by the University of Reading, is located in Wokingham Borough.
Recently, Wokingham Borough councillors visited the construction site where ground work is being undertaken by Curo Construction for the foundations of five sound stages.
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Aerial photos show the work being undertaken by construction vehicles.
Celebrating the beginning of the work, Nick Smith and Ian Johnson, joint managing directors of Shinfield Studios said: “We are now well on our way to creating a world-leading media hub in the heart of Berkshire.
“The encouragement from Wokingham Borough Council, the University and the local community has been fantastic.
“We would like to thank all our partners who have supported our progress so far.”
The work is beginning after the massive plan for the studios was approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee last October.
Councillor Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey (Liberal Democrats, Winnersh), a member of the planning committee, has repeatedly said with excitement that Wokingham is “becoming the Hollywood of the UK.”
Although it may be more appropriate to say that ‘Atlanta’ is coming to Wokingham instead, as Shinfield Studios is part of Blackhall Global Partners, a film studio located near Atlanta in Georgia, USA.
Blackhall Studios have been used for a series of blockbusters including Godzilla: King of Monsters, Jumanji: The Next Level and The Tomorrow War.
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The recent site visit was attended by Wokingham Borough Council leader cllr John Halsall (Conservative, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe), councillors Barrie Patman (Conservative), Jackie Rance (Conservative) and Jim Frewin (Independent) all representatives of Shinfield South, and with Paul Inman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading.
Phase one of Shinfield Studios saw the construction of four sound stages which are now in use.
It was announced that Disney is the first production company that will use the studios.
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