Amazon MGM Studios plans major Berkshire site revamp

Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios plans to revamp a major film studio it bought two years ago to create a "thriving new employment hub".

The US-based company has filmed at Bray Studios, in Berkshire, since 2022 and plans to submit its vision for planning permission in the summer.

A proposed expansion was formally approved in 2022 after it was submitted by the studio's previous owner.

But Amazon said its current proposals, which include building a multi-storey car park and six new sound stages, would help "realise the site's full potential".

Amazon MGM Studios

The redevelopment could also include a new cafe, visitor hub and farm shop.

Amazon said it could support about 3,200 full-time jobs across the UK, including 1,700 in Berkshire.

"Our proposals will unlock the potential of this iconic employment hub, delivering significant jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements both locally and across the wider area," it said.

The studios were previously the home of Hammer Films, which moved there in 1951 and created more than 100 fantasy and horror films.

Films including The Mummy, The Curse of Frankenstein and Dracula became global box-office hits, starring actors including Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

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Some scenes for the Rocky Horror Picture Show were recorded at the studios in 1974 and Ridley Scott built and shot the miniatures for his Academy Award winning sci-fi thriller Alien there in 1978.

"As the new custodians of the world famous Bray Studios, we are committed to long-term stewardship and investment in the community," Amazon said.

It also plans to build a new roundabout to replace the existing T-junction leading into Water Oakley Lane to provide access to the site.

It said it would "also help to avoid delays for those entering and leaving the site, as well as any traffic on the A308".

A public consultation on the plan closes on Sunday and Amazon said it would review the feedback to develop its plans.

The company said it hoped Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council would approve the project in autumn.

A plan for another film studios in Holyport was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate last year.