Action for new film studio sound stage
Unanimous backing has been received to build two new film sound stages in Berkshire. Production company Stage Fifty has been given approval to demolish two warehouses at Winnersh Triangle Business Park. The site will be redeveloped to provide a combined floor area of 4,552 square metres, becoming one of the largest special effects production facilities in Europe and a creative hub for the film industry.
Motion supported Frasers Property with transport planning expertise including a framework Travel Plan. According to James Atack, Senior Development Manager & UK Head of Safety Compliance at Frasers Property, “Our market-leading premises and integrated transport infrastructure at Winnersh Triangle, have been at the heart of attracting companies like Stage Fifty.”
Safe and connected access
The proposals for Building 810 will integrate operations for the sound stages and nearby workshops by creating convenient and accessible pedestrian connections between the sites. The Motion team proposed a raised table with a pedestrian crossing over the adjacent road to increase safety and reduce traffic speed. Technical Director, Phil de Jongh, explains, “The location of the crossing needed to avoid access points to the nearby building plots and be on the pedestrian desire line from the studio to the opposite site.”
Motion also provided an assessment of trip generation and parking requirements for dedicated film production use. Typical servicing demands for the film industry involve the delivery of large sets and materials. A Delivery and Servicing Plan will allow occasional large vehicle movements through the main staff car parking area from the studio building.
James concludes, “The knowledgeable and experienced Motion team was able to resolve the traffic and transport issues for our plans in every respect.”
Sustainability impact:
- Promoting active and sustainable travel – EV charging points, cycle parking, walkways
- Net-zero-carbon target (whole park) by 2050
- Increasing biodiversity – over 30 per cent of Winnersh Triangle is green space
Image credit: © Frasers Property and The Harris Partnership
An abridged version of this article first appeared in Issue 25 of Insight
