Oliver has today welcomed the announcement that investment firm, Axa have acquired Elstree Studios.
The acquisition of the site is due to be completed by early next year and will represent their first investment into the UK’s TV and Film industry.
As part of the deal, Axa will lease part of the studio campus back to the BBC for 25 years.
Oliver said: “I have always been clear that BBC Elstree forms a vital part of the UK Film and TV Industry, and owners of the site need to maintain this use and invest in its future.
Together with Leader of Hertsmere Conservatives, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, I have continued to seek reassurances about the site’s future and to make the case for the vital role that Elstree Studios plays in the local community. This was made clear when Cllr Bright and I met with BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie in September 2022: https://www.oliverdowden.com/news/oliver-secures-future-bbc-elstree-bbc-director-general
I am therefore delighted with the recent investment from Axa, which will secure the future and long-term production of Elstree Studios for future generations and ensure that it will remain an excellent asset for our local community and the UK’s creative economy.”
Oliver added: “I am also pleased that under the terms of this new deal, the EastEnders site has been secured on a long-term lease, meaning Elstree will continue to be the home of Albert Square.”
Cllr Morris Bright MBE, Leader for the Conservative Group at Hertsmere Borough Council said: “This is excellent news for Hertsmere and of course our creative industries. The local Member of Parliament for Hertsmere, Oliver Dowden, and I have been committed in ensuring that the BBC understood that the Elstree site had to remain as a place of media production and not sold off for development.
He added: I am therefore pleased that we have been successful in those efforts and discussions, and I know that the beneficiaries of this, our local residents and businesses who rely on the site for jobs and contribute to our local economy, will be too."
