Amazon MGM Studios plans major Berkshire site revamp

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Nathan BriantSouth of England

Amazon MGM Studios A CGI-generated image of two rowers rowing past Bray Studios.Amazon MGM Studios

The company's public consultation on the proposal closes on Sunday

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 A CGI-generated image of buildings as part of the plan for the revamped Bray Studios.Amazon MGM Studios

The company said it wants to turn Bray Studios into a "thriving new employment hub"

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.

Getty Images Susan Sarandon (left) and Barry Bostwick prepare for filming during production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Bray Studios in the county of Berkshire, England.Getty Images

Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick (right) were pictured preparing for filming on The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Bray Studios in October 1974

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.


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