MARLOW STUDIOS GRANTED PLANNING APPROVAL
Marlow Studios, a landmark proposal for the delivery of the most advanced centre for content creation in Europe, has been granted planning approval by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed.
The proposal for a new creative campus outside Marlow, Buckinghamshire, includes 18 studio soundstages as well as world-class flexible workspaces, innovation space, and a culture and skills academy – aiming to harness AI and the digital revolution to revolutionise the art of storytelling.
The decision on Marlow Studios follows a Public Inquiry was held in High Wycombe over January and February 2025. Over five weeks examining evidence, the Planning Inspector heard from a full range of experts, including on planning, the creative industries, transport and the environment. On the basis of this evidence, the Planning Inspector recommended the scheme for approval, and this recommendation was upheld by the Secretary of State.
The decision states that Marlow Studios would “attract global investment”, “create a stronger West London Cluster”, “contribute towards maintaining international competitiveness”, and “is directly aligned with the UK Government's Industrial Strategy.”
This positive determination allows the Marlow Studios team to move forward with the final stages of design and preparation for making the project a reality, including the appointment by the founders of the delivery partners that will help bring it to life.
Responding to the decision, Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Studios, said:
“The Secretary of State’s determination is a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries. It is very welcome news. This is a meaningful decision for anyone who believes in the UK’s future, our nation’s creative genius, and our unmatched capability to inspire the world.
For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision.
It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.
We know that Marlow Studios will be a media campus like no other – offering the world’s creative businesses a bespoke facility, leading in emerging technology and design that drives creativity and storytelling.
The global creative sector is growing fast, with a pace of change that is driving new investment. New platforms, new technology, including AI and new ways of telling stories require a different approach. Marlow Studios will be the campus that drives creative collaboration for the coming era.”
Chair of Marlow Studios’ Advisory Board, former Culture Minister, Lord Ed Vaizey, said:
“This is wonderful news for our world-beating film sector and wider creative industries.
Marlow Studios will be a huge investment in Britain’s future. It will be one of the most technically advanced studios in the world, helping the industry harness and to adapt to the latest developments. Only by doing this will the UK continue to be the world’s preferred destination for investment and storytelling.
Marlow will also be a centre for cultivating the next generation of talent - teaching our young people the skills the industry needs, ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future. It will also be one of the most sustainable campuses of its kind, providing quality work and recreation space for both users and the local community.
This is a great story for Britain, and one I’m proud to be a part of.”
The proposal for a new creative campus outside Marlow, Buckinghamshire, includes 18 studio soundstages as well as world-class flexible workspaces, innovation space, and a culture and skills academy – aiming to harness AI and the digital revolution to revolutionise the art of storytelling.
The decision on Marlow Studios follows a Public Inquiry was held in High Wycombe over January and February 2025. Over five weeks examining evidence, the Planning Inspector heard from a full range of experts, including on planning, the creative industries, transport and the environment. On the basis of this evidence, the Planning Inspector recommended the scheme for approval, and this recommendation was upheld by the Secretary of State.
The decision states that Marlow Studios would “attract global investment”, “create a stronger West London Cluster”, “contribute towards maintaining international competitiveness”, and “is directly aligned with the UK Government's Industrial Strategy.”
This positive determination allows the Marlow Studios team to move forward with the final stages of design and preparation for making the project a reality, including the appointment by the founders of the delivery partners that will help bring it to life.
Responding to the decision, Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Studios, said:
“The Secretary of State’s determination is a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries. It is very welcome news. This is a meaningful decision for anyone who believes in the UK’s future, our nation’s creative genius, and our unmatched capability to inspire the world.
For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision.
It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.
We know that Marlow Studios will be a media campus like no other – offering the world’s creative businesses a bespoke facility, leading in emerging technology and design that drives creativity and storytelling.
The global creative sector is growing fast, with a pace of change that is driving new investment. New platforms, new technology, including AI and new ways of telling stories require a different approach. Marlow Studios will be the campus that drives creative collaboration for the coming era.”
Chair of Marlow Studios’ Advisory Board, former Culture Minister, Lord Ed Vaizey, said:
“This is wonderful news for our world-beating film sector and wider creative industries.
Marlow Studios will be a huge investment in Britain’s future. It will be one of the most technically advanced studios in the world, helping the industry harness and to adapt to the latest developments. Only by doing this will the UK continue to be the world’s preferred destination for investment and storytelling.
Marlow will also be a centre for cultivating the next generation of talent - teaching our young people the skills the industry needs, ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future. It will also be one of the most sustainable campuses of its kind, providing quality work and recreation space for both users and the local community.
This is a great story for Britain, and one I’m proud to be a part of.”