Shinfield Studios plans take next step

Proposals for an 18-stage film studio and associated workshops at the Thames Valley Science Park were given the green light by Wokingham Borough Councillors in a meeting on 13 October. 

The application by Shinfield Studios includes making the first four sound stages, already given temporary approval earlier this year, into a permanent feature. Final planning approval is subject to agreement by the Secretary of State.

Shinfield Studios will be the anchor tenant of the University of Reading's ‘Cine Valley' project, which aims to foster a film and TV hub, expertise and skills around the University of Reading. It is expected that the project will further attract other businesses to the area as well as providing students at the University of Reading with a world-leading studio facility on their doorstep. The plans for Shinfield Studios are independent of a planned TV studio, promoted separately by the University of Reading, which was granted planning permission earlier this year.

Professor John Gibbs, professor of film and Research Dean for Heritage and Creativity at the University of Reading, said: "We are delighted that these new studios have been approved, and it will be great to see films and TV shows emerging right on our doorstep in a significant step for the creative arts in Berkshire.

"Cine Valley is creating exciting opportunities for students and local businesses, built on a foundation of sharing skills and expertise with the University of Reading. It's a theme we hope to continue to foster and develop over the coming years."

Nick Smith, Joint Managing Director of Shinfield Studios said:  "We are thrilled to have progressed to the next stage of the planning process for Shinfield Studios and thank Wokingham Borough Council, University of Reading and the local community for their support. The final step is to receive approval from the Secretary of State. Once complete we're looking forward to sharing more details about our plans for a permanent, world-leading production hub in the heart of Wokingham, providing 18 state of the art sound stages for high-end film and television productions."