Film studio plans recommended to be dropped

The Newtown Works site is 4.8-hectare and has five Grade II listed buildings

A film studio that was earmarked to be built on a brownfield site has been recommended to be dropped as councillors believe it was "not economically viable".

The Newtown Works site, which is 4.8-hectare (11 acres), also has five Grade II listed buildings.

The developer, Ashford International Development Company (AIDC) and Quinn Estates, put forward the plans in 2017 which included a film studio, residential development, education centre, commercial space and hotel.

However, following an independent report on the viability of a studio and media space on the site, members of Ashford Borough Council's (ABC) Trade and Enterprise Board agreed a residential scheme was preferred.

A spokesperson for AIDC said: "The challenges around the film and TV industry with the writers' and actors' strikes over the last few years has significantly impacted interest in building new studios.

"Therefore we have to face the facts that opportunities for a film studios at the site are looking less likely."

They add it is looking for alternative options to ensure the site is "brought back to life and not left dormant for another 30 years".

Council leader Noel Ovenden said: "We've been facing considerable challenges with the Newtown Works site and its proposed future use for some time now."

The local authority adds the revised plans is now subject to approval by ABC cabinet and full council members in due course.

Simon Betty, cabinet member for commercial property and investment, said it was "virtually impossible to attract a credible operator" in the current economic climate.

"It is regrettable external market and economic forces have made it extremely difficult to deliver the studio element of this project as originally intended," he added.

The council adds works to restore the listed buildings at the site is paid for by the Levelling Up funding.

This includes brickwork cleaning and repairs for the locomotive shed, restoration of the clock tower, paint store and acetylene store to stop further deterioration.