International law firm Gowling WLG advised the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Be First on an agreement with Hackman Capital Partners (HCP) to build London's largest film and TV production Centre in Dagenham - Eastbrook Studios London.
Be First is the regeneration and development company arm of Barking and Dagenham Borough Council.
Eastbrook Studios London will be the capital's largest studio campus. The project comes with planning permission, and HCP's plans include up to 12 sound stages, offices and ancillary space, totalling over half a million square feet.
The studios will be a major boost for the borough, the entertainment industry and the capital, creating an estimated 1,200 jobs, as well as apprenticeships, community outreach and supply chain opportunities.
Building work is set to start next year, with an expectation for the studio to be fully operational by 2023.
The UK is one of the most sought after countries in the world for major feature film and high-end television production. The Dagenham site will add much needed sound stage capacity to the overall industry.
Richard Beckingsale, partner and head of regeneration at Gowling said: 'We were delighted to be asked to support the Council and Be First on the Film Studio project. We have assembled the site over the last 3 years and it is fantastic news to have now appointed a partner with the track record of HCP. Not only is it a success story for Dagenham, but it comes at a time when our cultural sectors are in need of support and investment.'
Gowling WLG has one of the biggest dedicated development and regeneration teams in the UK and acts for a wide range of developers, funders and local authorities to deliver innovative and commercial solutions to often complex specifications quickly and efficiently.