Camden could get new 'cutting edge' film studios

The Camden Film Quarter plans include new affordable housing and public spaces

Londoners could soon see brand new film and TV studios in the capital as developers unveil plans to regenerate an industrial site in north London into a "world-class" creative district.

Camden Film Quarter has submitted plans to build "cutting-edge" production studios in Kentish Town, alongside new affordable housing, open public spaces and educational hubs.

The company says its wants to create a "UK-first film studios hub in the heart of the city, capitalising on Camden's creative talent and bringing opportunities to the community".

Camden Council approved the masterplan for the scheme in March but the latest submission has had a mixed response from residents.

Some locals have objected to the plans, saying the blocks of flats would be "squeezed into" one end of the development area and houses would be "blighted" by the film studios next door.

Others suggest the towers' proposed heights were "extreme" or altogether unsuitable.

Resident Eileen Sullivan said she was "thrilled" by the initial plans for film studios but said she was now "shocked" to see social housing placed near a recycling centre.

"It's truly a disgusting idea," she said.

Some locals are urging the council to extend the period for public feedback, arguing that the current deadline of 14 December is too soon.

Camden Film Quarter is backed by investment firm Yoo Capital, which bought the Regis Road site between Kentish Town Tube station and Grafton Road in 2023.

Yoo Capital is also behind the redevelopment of the area beneath Shepherd's Bush Market, the Kensington Olympia and this year saw plans approved to convert the Shaftesbury Theatre into a new Soho hotel and permanent home for Cirque du Soleil.

The masterplan also includes providing new educational hubs for the National Film and Television School and London Screen Academy.

If planning permission is granted, the developers say the regeneration will bring 1,370 jobs to the area for the three-year construction period.

Camden residents can respond to the plans on the council's planning portal.