Enfield to become 'big-budget film hub'

*OMA Film Studios in Enfield Lock is the size of two football pitches*

Report by Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

An industrial site in Enfield has been chosen to host a huge new film studio complex – claimed to be the largest in London.

The 1.29-hectare OMA Film Studios, about the size of two football pitches, is being opened in response to growing demand from international companies. The complex in Mollison Avenue, Enfield Lock, features four soundproofed stages and three workshops and is due to open later this summer, in line with government safety advice.

Global filming activity has risen steadily in the UK over the past decade. Figures from the British Film Industry show total spending on film and high-end TV production reached £3.62billion in 2019 – a 16% increase on the previous year.

Responding to the growing demand for studio space, film locations agency Location Collective secured a lease on an existing industrial unit with backing from Enfield Council. Managing director Antony Iredale said: “Continuing to invest in projects like this is critical, not just to ensure the film industry can bounce back quickly, but to help restore the health of the UK economy as a whole.

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“We are extremely excited about working closely with Enfield Council to make a huge success of OMA Film Studios and to place Enfield firmly on the map as a hub for big-budget filming activity.”

The council’s deputy leader, Ian Barnes, is a film director by trade and was previously nominated for an Oscar for his 2010 short film Wish 143. He said: “We have worked with Location Collective to make sure their proposal was right for the borough. Our ambition is for Enfield to become the premier location for TV and film production in London.

“The creative industries are worth more than £40billion to London’s economy and the financial benefits to our borough when stars like Benedict Cumberbatch film here, along with the potential for apprenticeship schemes for local people, are exciting and will put Enfield firmly on the map.”

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