UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Housing Secretary Steve Reed approves £750m Marlow Film Studios in Buckinghamshire, aiming to boost the UK creative industry with 4,000 jobs.
As reported by The Guardian, ministers have given the green light for a £750m Hollywood-style film and TV studio in Marlow, despite local opposition, testing Labour’s focus on economic growth.
Marlow Film Studios has gained backing from top filmmakers, including Sam Mendes (1917), James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips).
How did Labour clear the way for Marlow Film Studios?
The Marlow studio plan was rejected by Buckinghamshire council last year, prompting an appeal to the national planning body for approval.
Angela Rayner, former housing and communities secretary and ex-deputy prime minister, stepped in to call in the planning application.
The review’s outcome was seen as a measure of Labour’s commitment to economic growth over local opposition, echoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statements.
Hours before Ms Reeves will deliver her Westminster budget, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed Secretary of State Steve Reed had approved the planning application.
The new Marlow studio development will generate 4,000 jobs and feature 18 sound stages alongside a culture and skills academy.
Save Marlow’s Greenbelt, a local campaign group, argued the site has ecological value and that its open space preserves Buckingham’s heritage and the character of surrounding villages.
The government approved a partnership with Comcast, Universal Studios’ parent company, to build a major theme park in Bedford, its first in Europe.
The theme park will be constructed on a 192-hectare former brickworks site in Kempston Hardwick and is planned to open in 2031.
Earlier this year, the government approved a major Luton Airport expansion, nearly doubling capacity after overruling planning inspectors to handle theme park traffic.
What did Robert Laycock say about the Marlow Film Studios decision?
Robert Laycock, the chief executive of Marlow Film Studios, said,
“The secretary of state’s determination is a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries.”
He added,
“Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision. It’s a signal to investors who aim for high-quality development, done in the right way.”
Why Angela Rayner stepped down as housing secretary and deputy PM?
Angela Rayner resigned after admitting underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat amid calls for transparency. She referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser after underpaying on her Hove flat, potentially owing up to £40,000.
In her statement, Ms Rayner said,
“When purchasing the property my understanding, on advice from lawyers, was that my circumstances meant I was liable for the standard rate of stamp duty. “However, given the recent allegations in the press I have subsequently sought further advice from a leading tax counsel to review that position and to ensure I am fully compliant with all tax provisions.”
She continued,
“I deeply regret the error that has been made. I am committed to resolving this matter fully and providing the transparency that public service demands. It is for that reason I have today referred myself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, and will provide him with my fullest cooperation and access to all the information he requires.”
What is Marlow Film Studios, and where is it located?
The Marlow Film Studios is a planned major film and television production hub in Buckinghamshire, England. It is located on land adjacent to Marlow Road (A404) in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire, on a former gravel quarry and landfill site.
Its key features include 18 state-of-the-art sound stages, a culture and skills academy focusing on new technology, including AI.