Brent Walker Group’s decision to apply to the Lands Tribunal for permission to end film and television production at the famous Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Herts, has stirred up strong opposition from Hertsmere council and the film industry, writes David Sands.
The troubled property and leisure company has been unable to find a buyer for the studios, on which it claims it has lost over £750,000 over the last three years. It paid £32.5m for the 30 acres in 1988.
Brent Walker has outline consent on the site for a food superstore, leisure facilities, a film museum and some offices – subject to a agreement with the council that the film studios would be kept in use for 25 years. Part of the consent has been implemented and a Tesco superstore occupies 13 acres.
According to a Brent Walker spokesman, no major film has been made at the studios since 1989 and the group wants to obtain a new use consent which is more profitable. It envisages a mix of retail, housing and offices.
The council will argue against any change at Elstree before the tribunal. If Brent Walker is successful in its bid, the group will forfeit a £10m performance bond pledged to the council.
The British Film Commission is campaigning to keep the studios open and has accused Brent Walker of not making enough effort to find a buyer for the studios. Brent Walker claimed that “this is simply not the case, and we have kept it open in the hope of finding a buyer”. The commission also claims that demand from film makers to use the studios “is so high that customers are being turned down.”
