Development Framework For Pinewood Studios Introduction to the ...

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosIntroduction to the projectBackground informationFuture considerationsPinewood Studios is located at Iver Heath in SouthBucks on a former country estate of some 37 hectares.Pinewood was established in 1936 by Charles Bootand J. Arthur Rank who wished to create a British filmstudio to rival Hollywood.Presently the Studios comprise over 100,000 sqmetres of buildings including film stages, TV studios,workshops, pre and post production facilities, officeaccommodation and other support facilities. It is thisco-location of facilities, technologies and businessesthat sets Pinewood apart from its competitors andwhich attracts producers from around the world to theUK. There is currently more demand for Pinewood’sfacilities than can be accommodated and some majorfilms and TV programmes have been turned away due toa lack of capacity.As well as sending the signal to overseas clients thatthe UK is ‘full’, capacity constraints also have theunintended and undesirable consequence of potentiallyharming smaller, independent productions which arecompeting for space. If capacity issues continue it mayharm the indigenous film and television industries.The government is also consulting on new, targetedtax reliefs for the animation, high-end television andvideo games industries as part of its ambition to makethe UK the technology centre of Europe which willincrease demand for studio space. The consultationdocument for this new policy warns: “there is a riskthat under-investment will lead to valuable productionsmoving overseas or not being made at all.” (HM TreasuryConsultation on creative sector tax reliefs June 2012p.3)Some of the most popular films in British and worldcinema have been made at Pinewood Studios, whichhas hosted directors such as Michael Powell andEmeric Pressburger, David Lean, Stanley Kubrick,Ridley Scott, Tim Burton, Paul Greengrass and SirKenneth Branagh for over 75 years. The Bond films andPeter Rogers’ Carry On films are part of a Pinewoodfilmography of over 800 films that have been made atthe Studios, of which 56 have been awarded Oscars and62 BAFTAs.Pinewood is recognised as a global icon of thescreenbased industries. It supports a multitude of jobs,crafts and trades and makes a significant economic andcultural contribution to the UK.“The great thing about Pinewood is that it’s a one stopshop and that’s very comforting for producers. You cancome into a studio environment where everything’s inone place; water, filming specialists, SFX companies,computer graphics companies, lighting and cameracompanies. It’s fantastic”.Callum McDougall Exec. Producer, Casino Royale;Quantum of Solace.It is increasingly the case that producers requirethe cost efficiencies that come from the co-locationof creative skills, production experience andinfrastructure for which Pinewood to date has beenrenowned. Pinewood Studios is very keen to respond tothe opportunity to create jobs and growth in this vibrantsector of the UK economy.Set and external workshops for the filming of ‘Dark Shadows’Skyfall © 2012 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions. All rights reserved.An image filming the current James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’.Prometheus © Twentieth Century Fox. All rights reserved.A scene from the new film, Prometheus.Whilst Pinewood presently occupies a unique andleading position within the world film industry, itsposition is coming under increasing threat from newfacilities in Cape Town, Brazil, Melbourne, Poland,Russia and China. Established filming nations suchas the USA and France are also investing in majorfacilities and long term growth.HM Government recognises the unique contributionthe UK film industry makes economically to thenation and the emerging threat to that position fromoverseas. As such it is supportive of its further growthand development. In its document entitled “The Planfor Growth” the Government identifies the Digital andCreative Industries as one of a number of key sectorsthat will be important in driving economic growth inthe UK.Similarly, a review of UK film policy was commissionedby the Minister for Culture, Communications and theCreative Industries and was published in January2012. A total of 56 recommendations were made toGovernment to help ensure that film, as part of thecreative industries, plays a full role in driving growth,creating jobs and stimulating inward investment.Toward a Development FrameworkTo continue to prosper Pinewood needs to adapt,modernise and grow. To help define what is needed, arange of experts in finance, film,media and propertymatters have been appointed to advise on how toremain competitive over the next 15 - 20 years. Asynopsis of the initial findings is contained in thisexhibition. This outlines which facilities need tobe replaced, what amount and type of additionalfacilities are needed, and how this relates to theprevious planning permission of 2006.The growth strategy will be focussed on theinternational film industry but will include the widercreative industries, supporting TV, commercialsand video games. A phasing strategy is likely tobe defined. It is important to be clear that somerelease of nearby Green Belt land may be needed.If so, the design process will seek to minimise theamount to be used. Development in the Green Beltis only permissible where there are ‘very specialcircumstances’ that clearly outweigh the harmcaused to the Green Belt. It will be incumbent onPinewood to demonstrate these. It is also importantto highlight the fact that Pinewood is not consideringhousing, leisure or other uses not functionally orinherently related to Pinewood’s media business.The proposals which emerge will therefore befundamentally different to the previous applicationfor Project Pinewood.

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosThe Green BeltPlanning Policy ContextKeyNGreen Belt (NPPF section 9)Sustainable DevelopmentThe National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)confirms that the purpose of the planning systemis to contribute to the achievement of sustainabledevelopment. In response, the planning systemis required to perform three roles, which can besummarised as:- An economic role – including building a strong,responsive and competitive economy, ensuringenough land is provided of the right type in theright place at the right time is available to supportgrowth and innovation.- A social role – supporting strong, vibrant andhealthy communities, by creating a high qualitybuilt environment that reflects a community’sneeds.- An environmental role – contributing to protectingand enhancing our natural, built and historicenvironment, improving biodiversity, usingresources prudently and moving to a low carboneconomy.The ‘core planning principles’ of the NPPF requirethe planning system to proactively drive and supportsustainable economic development to deliver thecountry’s economic needs, to make every effort toidentify and then meet an area’s development needs,and to respond positively to wider opportunitiesfor growth. They also seek to promote the vitality ofurban areas and protect the Green Belt around them.Building a strong, competitive economy(NPPF section 1)The NPPF confirms that Government is committedto securing economic growth in order to create jobsand prosperity, building on the country’s inherentstrengths and meeting the challenges of globalcompetition and a low carbon future. The planningsystem is required to do everything it can to supportsustainable economic growth, to encourage and notact as an impediment to sustainable growth. Localauthorities are required to plan proactively to meetthe development needs of business and support aneconomy fit for the 21st century.M40M25KeySite boundaryColne Valley ParkCountry parksLocal nature reservesThe MetropolitanGreen BeltColne Valley ParkPinewood StudiosSite of special scientific interestNPart of the Pinewood Studios developmentframework site is located within the MetropolitanGreen Belt, originally designated in the 1940s. As isset out in the NPPF, development in the Green Beltis restricted to a defined range of appropriate uses.Other forms of development should not be approvedexcept where there are ‘very special circumstances’that clearly outweigh the harm that may be caused tothe Green Belt. It will be incumbent on Pinewood todemonstrate any very special circumstances in thisparticular case.Other Policy DesignationsAt a local level, planning policy is expressed throughthe South Bucks Core Strategy, adopted in February2011, and the consolidated South Bucks Local Plan(1999). These documents contain policy allocationsand designations, with several on and/or adjacent tothe development framework site.Policy E2 of the ‘consolidated Local Plan’ relates tothe existing Pinewood site and allocates it for filmstudio use. The national significance of Pinewoodis acknowledged and the policy is permissive ofextensions to existing buildings, new buildingsand the conversion of existing buildings within thesite where they are directly connected with filmproduction or associated industries.The development framework site is identified asforming part of a ‘Biodiversity Opportunity Area’and the Colne Valley Park and, within the areaimmediately adjacent to the site and in the areabeyond, there are various designations relating tolandscape and ecology features.In bringing forward the proposals, Pinewood willhave regard to all of the relevant local designationsand other policies which relate to the control ofdevelopment.Historic parks and gardensAncient & semi-natural woodlandAncient replanted woodlandAreas of attractive landscape

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosThe SiteSurrounding contextKeyNPinewood Studios is located in the County ofBuckinghamshire just beyond the boundaries ofGreater London and close to the junction of the M25London Orbital with the M40. It is within an hour’sreach of Central London by road and rail, and islocated close Heathrow Airport.Site boundaryExiting studio facilitiesThe Studios is within the administrative area of SouthBucks District Council. The district is primarily rural(agriculture being the primary land use) with some87% of its entire area, including the Pinewood site,designated as Green Belt. The remaining 13% is madeup of large settlements which include Iver Heath tothe south of the site. Pinewood Studios sits on a 37Hectare lot sandwiched between Black Park to thewest and the M25 to the east. The studios also ownan adjacent 46 Hectare plot of land that is locatedto the north-east of the existing studios, and whichtouches the M25 along half of its eastern border.PinewoodPinewoodStudiosStudiosThe ClumpThe ClumpSite of special scientific interestLocal nature reserveCountry parksHistoric parks and gardensAncient and semi-natural woodlandColne Valley ParkThe adjacent site is privately owned and containsan historic ‘clump’ of trees which shields the areafrom the M25 along with open land and linearhedges. Landfill cells from works associated with theconstruction of the M25 are located within one of theparcels of land.The existing Studios and the adjacent sites bothstand within the Colne Valley Park and the existingsite abuts Black Park which is protected by variousenvironmental designations. This being the case astrong landscape and environmental strategy will beneeded for the emerging development framework,securing a sensitive and positive response to thelocal landscape, visual receptors, biodiversity, wildlifecorridors and footpath linkages.The population in the area is growing, and made up ofa slightly greater proportion of young children (aged0-9 years), but a lower proportion of teenagers thanother benchmark areas. The proportion of populationof working age (20-64 years) in the area is similar tothat of England as a whole, but slightly greater thanSouth Bucks or the South East figures. There is aslightly lower proportion of elderly people than SouthBucks as a whole, but the proportion lies in betweenfigures for the wider comparator areas of the SouthEast and England. Within the immediate area of thedevelopment there are very low levels of deprivation,reflected in terms of earning figures in the areaand unemployment, which is lower than the SouthEast and England average figures. Crime levels aregenerally low.Black ParkSt MargaretsChurchQuarryFive PointsFive PointsRoundaboutRoundaboutLocal ShopsHealth CentreLibraryIver Iver Heath Junior SchoolInfant SchoolInfant SchoolSchoolsChurchLocal shopsLocal facilities

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosOutcome of initial consultationWalk & Talk eventsd. Wildlife (7 comments)Two Walk & Talk events were held in Iver Heath inorder to further understand the local area. Thesewere attended by a total of 37 local residents andthe map and analysis shown here is drawn fromthe 17 comment maps returned by attendees. Themap records how often a comment was made inconnection with a specific location.a. Green Belt (15 comments)Preservation of the Green Belt was the foremostissue raised by attendees. Most frequentlycommented upon was a belief that Green Beltland is sacrosanct - protected forever. This wasof the upmost priority and there are deep -seatedresponses that development should not be allowedon Green Belt land.Additional reasons raised with regards to buildingon Green Belt land include; concerns that thisdevelopment would open the doors to urban sprawloutside of the M25; it is part of Colne Valley Park; andthat buildings on any high-point of this land wouldcause visual disruption. It was also asked what plansare in place to offset the damage caused by buildingon Green Belt land?j(c1)gh(i1)lcFadfiberoute takenna1There were some concerns over disruption to wildlifeas a result of potential development on this land. Itwas noted that there is a lot of wildlife in this area- deers, foxes, pheasants and sparrowhawks werespecifically mentioned as present in the fields.e. Use of the estate as a rat-run (7 comments)Linked to (c) concerns regarding traffic congestionin the area, the use of Pinewood Green and AshfordRoad by people working at the Studios was alsomentioned.f. A part of people’s lives (6 comments)Enjoyment, recreation, walks and memories wereassociated with the fields. There was a sense ofattachment to the area and it was felt to be animportant piece of land for the local community.Some have used it for many years and there is asense of frustration at relatively recent restrictionson access.g. Expansion within the existing site? (3 comments)Suggestions that Pinewood can expand studio spacewithin the existing site were made. These included:a1. Green Belt - Iver Heath Fields (3 comments)- There is a studio site with outstanding planningpermission.Linked to (a) preservation of Green Belt land, IverHeath fields were also highlighted. Noting that it ismaintained by the District Council.m(c)- There is plenty of room on the existing site forfilming and development - if they ceased lettingunits to non-film businesses.Pinewood Roadb. The Clump (11 comments)The second issue most commented upon was TheClump. The Clump was referred to as a tranquil placeof natural beauty and wildlife. It is of great culturalimportance to local community (it was noted thatthis was stated in the Project Pinewood planningapplication), there is now significant frustrationthat The Clump has been fenced off and cannot beaccessed by the local community. Other commentsinclude a reference to the Alice Adams memorialas a special place, also that there should be TreeProtection Orders on some Oak trees in The Clump.c. Traffic congestion (10 comments)Local traffic congestion was a frequent concernraised. Most often noted that there are regular holdupsat the Studio Entrance and difficulty getting ontoPinewood Road in the morning. Church Road and FivePoints Roundabout were also cited as congestionhotspots (marked (c)). It was put forward that thelocal infrastructure is unable to cope with any largescale developments and that the main access toPinewood Studios is a heavily used single carriageroad, which is very narrow to the north (c1). In lightof previous housing proposals, it was asked whatwould be the difference in traffic impact betweenresidential housing and potential expansion ofPinewood as studio space?(c)k(c)Slough RoadChurch RoadSintended route(not taken)- There is available land beyond the 007 stage, whycan’t this be utilised better?Other comments included:h. Local impact of Pinewood Studios activityi. Access to the fieldsj. Black Park / Colne Valley Parkk. No development of Five Points Roundaboutl. Road closure for filmingm. Peace Road was once a right of way, now access isrestricted by Pinewood Studiosn. Motorway noise has a negative impactNot located / not possible to locate on the map:Concerns that there are still plans to build houses.The opinion that the results of the public enquiry arestill applicable today.Suggestions to move the facilities elsewhere.

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosOutcome of initial consultationLocal Assets & Big IdeasLocal AssetsBig IdeasOn this board we present findings from two sources.The first map considers local assets and issuesof importance to people living or working aroundPinewood. On the second some of the ‘big ideas’offered at the various pop up events. Both of thesesets of feedback were collected through use of postitnotes on a large scale maps.The maps below contain ‘word clouds’ which scalethe font size in direct proportion to the degree ofrecurrence associated with the word or idea shown.This helps to build up an understanding of theissues important in both the immediate localityand the neighbourhoods around the site, while alsointimating the popularity associated with the ideasexpressed. All in all around 100 post it notes were lefton the ‘big ideas’ map, and a similar number were lefton the ‘local assets’ map.Here, comments were received in the vast majorityfrom people who are based in the area aroundPinewood Studios, or who know it well / use itfrequently. These findings are of a similar natureto those derived through the walk and talk events(please see board later in exhibition), both expressingviews of people in the immediate locale.The countryside including Black Park, the GreenBelt and wildlife were most appreciated about thearea, followed by its rural, village community feel.In contrast to this, the most frequently dislikedaspect about the area were associated with trafficcongestion, including the infrastructure’s abilityto cope and residential areas being used as ‘ratruns’.Most frequent points of interest made werevaried opinions with regards to the direction ofdevelopment of Pinewood Studios.The most prevalent comments across the boardwere those to do with ‘local jobs’, ‘schools’, ‘GreenBelt’ and public ‘transport’ / ‘buses’. Overall thereare mixed messages from the ‘big ideas’ map. Whilethose based in the immediate area passionatelywant to retain the Green Belt at all costs, otherssee Pinewood offering a means to improve careerand job prospects, particularly for young people, ifit is allowed to grow and prosper. If Pinewood couldsupport better transport connectivity, that mayimprove accessibility and quality of life for manyliving and working in the area.M40Redevelopedaway fromLOCAL ASSETSWhat do you LIKE aboutthe area?BIG IDEAS MAPYour views and ideas on growth atPinewood....GERRARDS CROSSDENHAMBlack ParkNot much to doCelebs coming down our road!Re-align Fulmer Common Road tomake more efficient use of land.In favour of developing it - not in anybody’s wayT r a ffi cLack of senior schoolsNo street lightingIt has historyFacility to watchfilms and showsWhat about developingSouth of Pinewood site?Is this brown field?BlackcanteenQuietpubs andcountrysideMore signage to PinewoodRural with access to Londonvia public transportCannot walk downPinewood RdApplication in forother boundaryM2540 years + of access andwe got the M25 throughClub 7Pinewood own junctionof M25 - accessM25 is hiddenWhat do you DISLIKEabout the area?Any points of INTEREST?Iver fieldsGreen beltNoise fromthe M25Scruffy(Seven HillsRoad)Workers usingresidential roadsWhat are the ISSUES to consider?Ideas for LOCAL LINKS andBENEFITS?Any QUESTIONS for the team?OGSTOKE POGESgreen beltlocal jobsDon’t dose is down - it needs to surviveHow long willhousing remainclear of the site?Where are the shops in Bells Hill?FULMEROpportunitiesfor young peopleImpact on transportCommunity developmentroads need resurfacingbusesneededhorse ridingneedshopsSuggest new route forvehicles through own propertyIOSPINEWOOD STUDIOSHow manylocal people workfor Pinewood?schools Relationshipwith localresidentsWhy not redevelopon your own site?Green belt restrictions stillapply despite NIPPFIVER HEATUse green beltfor parking?Any amalgmationgreen beltwith another filming site?Use current sitefor sound stageIt needs to get biggerWhat effect does the filming have on Black Park?Water pressureWhy not Birmingham?Traffic concernsATAWhat is there forthe children?What else is being considered?Do you get more income from tenants or could you replace them?local jobsLarge roundaboutplans? 5 pointsHIVERUXBRIDGERe-instate localpride in PinewoodExpansion for industry competitionokay but not suitable for housing.Subsidisebetter cheapertransportTraining apprenticeship.Bringing Pinewood to the communityTraffic issues,redirect roads?ParkCommunity fun days,fields appreciatedpleasant neighboursas rat-runsSLOUGHIver High StreetHigh traffic - gridlockvillagefeelLitterBlack Park lakeBeing able to walk and enjoy the viewInadequate bus serviceWill Church Rd be widened to accommodate traffic?Still an element of communityconcern the whole of South Bucksruralwildlifebenefit local artists (infilm + tv industry)jobsLANGLEYbusesWalking dog but lesssince too commercialHorse ridingDifficult to do anything about flaw without this five point roundabout being sorted outHousing not the right approachtransportBlack Park benefitsfrom filming fundRoad infrastructure

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosOutcome of initial consultationArea descriptionsAs with the previous board, the comments, thoughtsand ideas collected and represented on the largemap presented to the right, were gathered at the 9‘external’ pop up events and one ‘internal’ pop-upengaging staff and tenants at Pinewood Studios.These comments were made in direct response to aquestion on the canvass card, of which we received197.Once again ‘word clouds’ are used to portray theideas expressed, with the size of the font directlyrepresenting the frequency with which the commentor idea was expressed. A large font indicates thatmany individuals shared the thought while smallerfonts indicate smaller levels of interest and, at thesmallest, individual suggestions.Overall there is strong agreement so far as thedescription of the neighbourhoods are concernedwith ‘pleasant’, ‘green’, ‘peaceful’ and ‘rural’ holdingsway. However, Denham also offers ‘busy’ whileUxbridge suggests ‘community’ and Stoke Poges,‘nice’.Special qualities are felt, across the board to be‘proximity to London’ while enjoying a generally ‘rural’existence or simply, the ‘countryside’. ‘Green’, ‘greenspaces’ and ‘Green Belt’ are also mentioned oftenas the special characteristics of the place. Lessfrequent but telling comments also praise the lowcrime rates, the good local schools and the qualityand character of local villages and the surroundingcountryside.In responding to the question ‘what is missing’ manyneighbourhoods reply ‘nothing’, including GerrardsCross, Fulmer, Stoke Poges, Slough, Langley and Iver.Denham identifies ‘local amenities’ as missing whileUxbridge suggests there is a lack of ‘development’and Slough and Iver Heath, that there is a dearth of‘public transport’ connections. Langley bemoansthe poor ‘employment’ prospects while Stoke Pogeswould like to see ‘local shops’.Overall the picture that emerges is one of basiccontentment with a general hankering for betterpublic transport and bus connections and a desirein some areas for better local amenities, in othersfor shops (Stoke Poges) and in Langley, for betteremployment prospects.Area descriptionYour views and ideas on growth at Pinewood....Describe this area in three words.What is special about this area?What do you feel is missing from the area?boringSLOUGHsemi-ruralneglectedneed more workdiversequietimportantcountrysidepotentialruralbeautifulworking classurbanlivelyfamily orientedfriendlypleasantirritatingbusinessgood linksto the roadsand airportfantasticgreenbeltpleasantstudios would be goodpublictransportGERRARDS CROSSSTOKE POGESlocal shopsgood shoppingnothingclose to London butbenefits of countryjobopportunitiesnot enoughpedestrian prioritygood schools populargreentraditional village atmosphereaffluentbeautifulgood communication networksgood housing semi-rural quiet expensive respectablepleasant with green spacewell looked after by residentsheritageenvironmentalFULMERrural quietcommunity minded trafficpicturesque greencountryside ruralcommunitygood links spirithigh speedbroadband nothingquiet - reduce trafficquality ofhousingbusesneededgood schoolsquiet arealow crime ratestrives to retain characteractive representation forall sectionsrecreational / outdoor spacenothinggood museums andshopsjobsattractionsbettervillagelifeschoolscultural heritageBlackunchangingcommunityParkaccess to Londontransport employmentnothingschools bankactivities for adults and childrenlibrarysecuritycountrysideeasy accesssemi-ruralcleangreensafe boringlack of communitychurchsports and artscommunity spirita centregood mixturefunof peopleentertainment likepeaceful music concert,swimming poolyoung artistsrarehomelynicepeacefulsupermarketidyllictrafficno core picturesqueneed for conservationdiscrete spread out enterprisingchangingruralrestaurantsfriendlyspaciouscommutercommunitygood schoolsconvenient opportunitiesvillage overcrowdedpeacefulisolatedcommuter beltwalkable affluent lack of employment friendlyneed for investment semi-urban family orientedPinewood Studiostransportsecludedposhruralaccessiblepleasantyouth involvementLANGLEYjust niceit’s what youmake of itidyllic communitygood shopsspiritinfrastructure quietwon’t take it familyruralresidential orientatedpleasant countryside close to Londonfun home busy family and countrysideloud village oldparkspoor greenhelpful community spiritquietconvenienthorse ridingvarietygreen beltAATIVER HEATPINEWOOD STUDIOSopen access tocommon landactivities foryoung peopleHgreen spacesoasis of countryside in the overcrowded estategood schoolsuntouchedcollegemotorway and airportemploymentplaces for parentsand childrennothingvillagecommunitypleasantbest of both worldshopstransportIVERDENHAMquieter place than citygreenaccessibilitygoodschoolslots of differentthings to docommutable toLondonBlack Parkcountrysidewildlifevillage lifeLangley Parkgreen beltlack of peace and quiet(too much traffic)people who care for where they livebetter transportschoolsnothingopportunities for localsto visit Pinewoodvillagegreensjobsbusroutesleisure facilitiesschoolslocalamenitieslocaljobssupermarketsfriendly areagreat location quietparksgood mix ofhousing andopen spacehistorysense of communityeasy access to everywhereclose to Londontransportfriendlycountrysideurbanrelaxednimbyishnaturalboringactivities foryounger peoplegood for kidspicturesquepeacefulsecurity from developmentlocal jobsnothinglocal take-awaycommunity facilitiesprogressgreenthrivingconservativeusedfriendlygood forchildrenvillageybusysafesemi-ruralruralcountrysideresidentialcommunicationgreenquietthreatenedcommunityunspoilt near townsnicebeautifulgreenresidentialrelaxingamenities (lack)scenicprofitableprettysunenjoyablebusyaccessibletransportmany opportunitieBlack ParknoisesmallUXBRIDGEcommunitygreen beltboringmessywell connecteduniversity townshopscountryyouth and localactivitiesflowers in public realmquietgreen and pleasantgood facilities for film industryaccess to Londonand countrysidejobsdevelopmentbigger focus on TVproductionbeautifulcaringin need of changeinvestmentpublic transporttransport to PinewoodHorlicks factorybusynothingsense of communitytheatrePINEWOOD STUDIOSindustriousniceenvironmentparkingattractivecountrysideconnection to Londonschoolspublic transportgood facilitiesfriendlycycling excitingwoodlandneeds developmentgreen spacessocial life after workculturenothingruralfilmheaven, helland in betweengood studiofilm heritagejobstranquilgreentraininga shower

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosHistorical ContextPinewood Studios 1936 – Present Day- Heatherden Hall estate was bought at auction in1934 by Charles Boot, J Arthur Rank and Lady Yule,and in 1935 construction began on transformingthe estate into film studios.- On 30th September 1936 Pinewood Studios wasofficially opened• The 1940s was a very successfuldecade for Pinewood Studios. Films producedincluded David Lean’s Oliver Twist and Powelland Pressburger’s The Red Shoes. The Studioswere bringing together advanced film studioinfrastructure and high profile production units.- During the 1960’s five new stages were built,designed for the dual use of TV and filmproduction. The 60’s also saw the beginning ofPinewood Studio’s association with James Bond.This association helped to boost the Studiosreputation for cutting edge special effects.- Throughout the decades, Pinewood Studioshas remained at the forefront of the British filmindustry. In order to remain on top, PinewoodStudios has had to adapt and respond to shifts insociety, politics and technology.Structuring discussion and thinking- The growth of the studios since its opening in 1936is also evident in the historical maps below, whichhighlight the expansion of Studios over time.Early aerial photographMarch 2008 – The site reaches capacity1920’s 1960’s 1970’s Today1980’s

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosPinewood as it is nowCurrent site activityHow is land used at Pinewood?Summary of site constraintsSince 2010 Pinewood has been working at fullstretch with a number of film contracts being turneddown due to lack of capacity. Research by AmionConsulting, outlined elsewhere in this exhibition,suggests that demand from Pinewood’s existingclient base will soon reach the equivalent of five‘blockbusters’ to be produced within the same year,quite possibly simultaneously.Currently the site can typically accommodateproduction of two major films at any one time, thoughthis requires complex logistics and results in areduction in the efficiency of activities.The map to the right illustrates how land ispresently used at Pinewood. This shows that, whilethere is some space within the site available fordevelopment, it is very limited. The impression ofopenness is misleading, as the back-lots, trailer andcar parks are much needed studio assets.Stages, Film& TV StudiosWorkshopsOfficesThese are the core facilities hired on aweekly basis for film and tv productions.There is currently not enough stage andstudio space to allow more than twolarge budget films to be produced at thesame time.The workshops are used to create setsand props. They are spread throughoutthe site close to the stages. There iscurrently not enough workshop space toallow more than two large budget filmsto be produced simultaneously.Offices are used by a wide variety ofbusiness including those working on filmand tv production, permanent anchortenants and SMEs, most of whom aredirectly linked to the creative industries.- Pinewood Studios opened in 1936 and soonbecame the most prolific film studio of this era.Its inception predated the Green Belt by over adecade.- The current site is partly Green Belt and partlynon- Green Belt. That part which is in the GreenBelt is used for temporary sets and installationsor forms part of the parkland.- All permanent development is located on land thatis not part of the Green Belt, but was ‘ring-fenced’in recognition of the studios precedence.- Some of the Green Belt land is used as “back-lots”where temporary facilities are constructed.2012 Breakdown of businesses based atPinewood Studios - by sector30%serviceproviders1% agents43%equipmentproviders13%productioncompanies13%productioncraftsBack-lotsParking &logisticsPost ProductionThese large areas provide essentialspace for film producers to buildtemporary sets, create flexible workingareas and to park cars and trailers inclose proximity to the set.The film industry uses technologyextensively and this requires space foron site logistics, car parking and hardstanding.Post production facilities provide editing,special effects, sound-track and otherelements to refine captured film footage.It uses many digital technologies.- The use of this land is considered critical to thestudio’s film-making capabilities.- Almost all land on the existing, ring-fenced site isin use already, be in built upon, back-lot, parking,circulation or other use. There is potential foradditional built development as infill, however it isfairly limited, and does not permit either the likelyscope or arrangement of the new facilities to beas required.- It is possible that some land can be used moreefficiently. Property Consultants CBRE arecarrying out audits of the existing land use toadvise on this. Some of the information that hascome to light as regards user requirements isshown in this exhibition.Further breakdown of on-site serviceproviders5%marketing4%insurance4%health & safety13%financial3%security5%travel23%on siteservcie2%transport3%catering15%construction22% creative2%freightAmenities& ServicesRetainedWoodland &FormalGardensThese range from security services torecreation, cafe and canteen facilities.The studios need to be self sufficientto achieve efficient use of time andfacilities.Elements of retained woodland arescattered across the site, but the majorarea of green space is the garden to thesouth of the site. The garden are usedfor filming - recently the village in HarryPotter and exterior sets for Snow Whiteand the Huntsman have been beenfilmed here.- It is possible that some buildings can bedemolished to allow more efficient development.CBRE are also considering this.- The potential for new development withinthe existing site will be closely considered asthis would reduce the scale and impact of thedevelopment framework.- A further piece of analysis is being carried outwith respect to the consented 2006 Masterplan.The next board looks into this in more depth.

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosPinewood masterplan 2006Previous planning consentPotential areas of developmentIn 2003 Pinewood Studios commissioned aMasterplan to capture their needs over the nextdecade. The architect’s brief was to restrictredevelopment to the existing built area and not toextend onto the surrounding Green Belt land.As a result, the Masterplan increased the density,mass and height of the existing built area and did notexpand it.The Masterplan was granted outline planningpermission in 2006 and was implemented by theconstruction of a new film processing laboratory forTechnicolor in 2008.This outline permission allows Pinewood to submitdetailed or ‘reserved matters’ applications for newbuildings that fit within the parameters of footprintand height shown on the diagram opposite. However,the requirements of the industry have changed sincethe Masterplan was first conceived in 2004.Logistics and parkingBack LotsExisting BuildingsPotential build out against 2006 consentFor example, the Richard Attenborough Stage, a newsoundstage completed this year and immediatelyoccupied by a major production of Les Misérables,needed to have a minimum stage floor area of 30,000sq ft. There was no building ‘block’ in the right areawithin the Masterplan that could accommodate thissize of stage so Pinewood had to depart from theoutline permission and submit a new full application.The outline permission for the Masterplan expires in2014: by that time Pinewood must submit detailedapplications for all the remaining building ‘blocks’ inthe consented scheme, even though some of themare no longer fit for purpose.1The Development Framework now being consideredwill therefore replace the Masterplan. It will makefull use of the quantum of floor space offered by the2006 consent though it may seek to change land usesin some area, depending on the final results of theresearch that is now under way.The diagram to the right shows the footprints of thebuildings that consent was granted for.

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosThe future of PinewoodPossible future developmentDevelopment Framework and potential phasingThe Pinewood team, advised by Amion Consultingand CBRE, are assessing market drivers, a businessplan and property requirement issues over thenext 15 – 20 years in connection with Pinewood’sneeds for strategic growth. A ‘do nothing’ scenariois also being thoroughly tested, and initial resultssuggest that this would lead to decline, which,when contrasted with the growth of overseascompetition, could result in the loss of the UK’spre-eminence in this field. Currently the studiesare at a preliminary stage. It is intended to sharea synopsis of the findings of the full tests in duecourse.The diagrammatic plan to the right shows theexisting Pinewood site and the adjacent site,shown together with the preliminary thoughtson the broad scale of floor plate need for stages,workshops and offices (the latter of which willalso need to include allowances for ancillaryaccommodation such as dressing rooms andwardrobe areas) arranged in three broad phases asshown. It should be borne in mind that these maychange in response to the findings of the studiesand consultation with business, the communityand public authorities.Three phases of developmentdelivered over a 20 year period.(Floor areas belowshown tosame scale as the site )Phase 1Phase 2Phase 1- 3 new stages on the existing site- Car park on existing site- On and off-site works for the new site- 4 new stages on new site- Ancillary production accommodation for stages ona 1:1 ratio[NB: assumes existing consents are developed aspart of the phase 1 period –stage on South Dock andancillary space along with Media Park on the frontagesite]Phase 3Phase 2Key- 3 new stages on new site- Ancillary production accommodation for stages ona 1:1 ratio- Media Park office and ancillary accommodationNew stagesNew workshopsPhase 3- 3 new stages on new site- Media Park office and ancillary accommodationNew office /ancillary space

Development FrameworkFor Pinewood StudiosGlobal trends and marketsWorld contextThe UK Film Market is the 3rd LargestCurrent capacity is exceededLand requirementsin the WorldPinewood Studios is one of the foremostscreenbased facilities in the world. The Studioscomprise over 100,000 sq metres of buildingsincluding film stages, TV studios, workshops,pre and post production facilities, officeaccommodation and other support facilities. Itis this co-location of facilities, technologies andbusinesses that sets Pinewood apart from itscompetitors and which attracts producers fromaround the world to the UK.At the present time, there is more demand forPinewood’s facilities than can be accommodatedand some major films and TV programmes have beenturned away due to a lack of capacity.As well as sending the signal to overseas clientsthat the UK is ‘full’, capacity constraints also havethe unintended and undesirable consequenceof potentially harming smaller, independentproductions which are competing for space. Ifcapacity issues continue it may harm the indigenousfilm and television industries. The governmentis also consulting on new, targeted tax reliefsfor the animation, high-end television and videogames industries as part of its ambition to makethe UK the technology centre of Europe which willincrease demand for studio space. The consultationdocument for this new policy warns:“there is a risk that under-investment will leadto valuable productions moving overseas or notbeing made at all.”(HM Treasury Consultation on creative sector taxreliefs June 2012 p.3)To compete with other studios around the worldand remain a successful studio and asset to the UKcreative industries, Pinewood Studios need to beable to accommodate 4 or 5 major films at one time,double what they are currently able to offer.13CHINAThe UK is one of the world’s most desirable locations for shooting,regularly providing the backdrop for scenes in films, including bigbudgetUS pictures and “Bollywood” movies. London is also a keylocation for the launching of films.The UK has the third-largest filmed entertainment market in theworld, after the US and Japan. It was worth some £3.8 billion in 2010,up 2.3 per cent on 2009.The costs of filming in the UK are extremely competitive whencompared to both established production centres and low-costcountries.Film education in the UK has rapidly expanded in recent years. In2010, there were over 7,000 A-level film studies candidates, 4,252higher education film studies students and 6,612 school film clubsacross the UK involving 204,972 pupils.(Sourced from UK trade and Investment website: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/item/281785.html2Pinewood are typically able to allow two major films to beproduced at the same time. The table below compares howmuch space Pinewood can offer compared to the space thatfilm producers require.The table shows that there is already a shortfall of stage andworkshop area, particularly for large productions.area in square feet400,000350,000300,000250,000200,000150,000100,00050,000stages, film& tv studiosExisting area availableAverage area needed for two filmsMaximum area needed for two filmsExisting area availableofficesAverage area needed for two filmsMaximum area needed for two filmsworkshopsExisting area availableAverage area needed for two filmsMaximum area needed for two filmsThe table below compares the amount of space Pinewoodcan offer now with the amount required to produce 4-5films at the same time.area in square feet600,000550,000500,000450,000400,000350,000300,000250,000200,000150,000100,00050,000stages, film& tv studiosExisting area availableAre need for 5 filmsofficesExisting area availableAre need for 5 filmsworkshopsExisting area availableAverage area needed for two filmsdigitalproductionFigures are based on current analysis and masterplanning, and are subject to changeExisting area availableAverage area needed for five filmsStatistics originally sourced from British Film Institute)Aerial photograph of Pinewood StudiosAerial photographs of Pinewood Studios when in use by a major production