Twickenham Film Studios announces redevelopment details to quash concerns over noise and parking

Today Twickenham Film Studios released a host of details about its plans for the site's redevelopment in a bid to quell residents' concerns around noise, parking and disruption.

The studios released its list of FAQs including answers to questions like Will the expansion of the studios adversely affect my house price? and Will there be any new jobs created through this project?

The £15 million proposed project would transform the existing site, including the construction of a new entrance building on the St Margarets Road at its junction with The Barons.

In response to concerns around noise and disruption caused by the construction, the studios said: "We are very aware that any building works has the potential to cause noise, dust, and impact from construction traffic.

"We will minimize this by using off-site construction for some of the building extensions, and this has the advantage of reducing the impact on the work of the studio by being faster and less disruptive.

"The new building on the corner of St Margaret's Road will follow a more traditional construction programme but will vastly improve the public realm and street scene when it is complete."

There will be no visitor parking on site and the studios said it will be encouraging visitors to use public transport - either via train to St Margaret's rail station or via bus.

It said it is in discussions with the council over the controlled parking zone, commenting: "We have been working with Richmond Council to see whether extending the time of the current CPZ would bring local benefits.

"Any such changes would be the decision of the local authority following a consultation with residents. We have offered to contribute to the cost of that consultation if they consider it will ease the issues on people living in neighbouring streets."

The proposals also include a café and heritage centre open to the public, which will allow people to understand the remarkable part the studios have played in the British film industry and the many famous and successful films it has been involved in - from silent movies through to Netflix. The old rooftop terrace lounge will also be reopening, and will sell hot and cold drinks including alcohol, and light snacks. There will also be a new hub for the creative industries, with workspaces for rent.

In response to concerns about the café being an unnecessary addition that would cause competition for existing establishments, the studios said: "We want to encourage local residents to support Twickenham Studios and to be part of the wider community.

"We are also developing co-working space, offices, and meeting rooms so it is important that we offer services that are attractive to small businesses and freelancers.

"We are confident that there is space in the local community for an additional facility and that the style and ambience will bring people to the area and in turn to support other businesses."

The studios also said that the café, co-working space and cinema will create job openings as they will require a range of additional staff.

Significantly, there will be a new TV studio with audience seating for up to 150 people, together with refurbished film and sound production studios.

The studios said: "As the nature of TV and film changes, we are refocusing our work accordingly.

"Whilst there will be more members of the public onsite attending this new studio, there will be a significant reduction in the use of the space for other purposes like advertisements.

"This means that the number and frequency of commercial vehicles and late-night set movements will go down, reducing the impact of those vehicles and associated noise on local residents. We anticipate that the net effect on parking and noise to be neutral."

The plans have received widespread support from locals and celebrities alike, including actress and activist Vanessa Redgrave.

Redgrave, who used to have an office on the film studios' site, has written a letter supporting the expansion of the studios.

She said: "Twickenham Film Studios is the oldest working film studio in the United Kingdom. I am very proud that my father Sir Michael Redgrave filmed here prior to and during the Second World War.

"It would be wonderful if the studios could expand their services which are in great demand.

"Demand for Film Studios' capacities is very great and growing.

"We believe Twickenham Studios as a growing and extremely successful commercial enterprise, is an important feature for Twickenham and the borough of Richmond Upon Thames along with the great economic footfall it brings that benefits the surrounding shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses.

"We can emphasise with some authority that Twickenham Studios a historic international landmark for film industry and one that the Borough can be justly proud of."

You can read the full list of FAQs here.