*The proposed film studios will feature three stages initially, opening later this year*

Second major filming location to open in Enfield in less than a year, reports James Cracknell

Another studios complex is set to open in Enfield as the borough grows its reputation as a hub for the film industry.

Troubadour Theatres struck a deal with Enfield Council to build the new film and television studios at the local authority’s £6billion Meridian Water development. The complex will be known as Troubadour Meridian Water Studios and will “assist with the economic regeneration of Edmonton and Enfield”.

The new facility is said to be the largest studio complex inside the North Circular and is set to open later this year. It swiftly follows the opening last year of OMA Film Studios in Enfield Lock, which itself claims to be the largest such facility in London.

The council’s deputy leader, Ian Barnes, is an Oscar-nominated film director and has boasted of his ambition to make the borough “a premier location for TV and film production in London”.

Oliver Royds and Tristan Baker, joint chief executives of Troubadour Theatres, said: “Troubadour Theatres are enormously excited about coming to Enfield and working together with Enfield Council in opening Troubadour Meridian Water Studios.

“We strongly believe that this project will quickly become an integral part of the community in the heart of the council’s regeneration plans.”

Three purpose-built sound stages will be built as part of a first phase of works, with a further two stages planned after strategic infrastructure works are completed on the 2.4-hectare site. A skills academy will be built on site so local residents can be trained how to work in the film and television industry.

The initiative will also provide training and logistical support for the media sector. Troubadour is currently working with the council to create six work placements for 18-24-year-olds not currently in education, employment or training.

Oliver and Tristan added: “Troubadour Meridian Water Studios will not only attract world-class film and television productions to the area, but also the skills academy will have an immediate positive and demonstrable local impact in an area currently going through urban and cultural regeneration.

“We hope that these studios become a catalyst for employment within the borough.”

The studios could create up to 450 permanent jobs once the facility is fully established. An estimated 150 training opportunities are planned in the first four years, increasing to nearly 500 a year.

Council leader Nesil Caliskan said: “This is incredibly exciting news and means Enfield is poised to become one of the leading London boroughs for high-end television and film production.

“The delivery of [these] film studios is the boldest and most exciting project in Meridian Water to date. It would help transform Meridian Water into a destination by providing a major public theatre venue and help stimulate the economic regeneration of the borough through the training academy and a new media and arts hub.

“Not only that but the provision of a skills academy will give Edmonton’s residents a way of entering the film and TV industry, raising aspirations and improving their employability. This is genuinely a game-changing development for Enfield and seriously good news for the people who live here.”

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