Pinewood, the iconic home of James Bond and Disney franchises from Marvel to Star Wars, is set to convert 78% of its proposed expansion into a datacentre. The decision reflects a broader shift in the UK property development landscape as the AI boom drives demand for digital infrastructure, while the film and TV industry faces a post-peak production slowdown.
Peak TV Behind Us
Ambitious plans for studio expansions are being scaled back across the UK. The British Film Institute (BFI) is expected to report a third consecutive annual decline in film and high-end TV production in 2025. One senior industry executive noted, 'Peak TV production is behind us now. The great British studio building boom is officially over. Property companies thought riding that wave would be a big success; now datacentres are the new studios.'
Four years ago, the streaming wars fuelled a record £7.8bn spend on UK-made productions, prompting a wave of studio building and temporary 'meanwhile use' sites. However, the 2023 Hollywood strikes and a shift by streaming companies toward profitability have reduced content commissioning. Domestic broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 have also cut back.
From Studios to Datacentres
Pinewood's planning permission allows 78% of its 1.4m sq ft expansion—originally 21 sound stages—to become a datacentre. Other projects have similarly pivoted: Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties abandoned a £700m studio complex in Hertfordshire, now considering datacentres. Stage Fifty's closure led to Wycombe Film Studios being scrapped for six datacentres worth £265m. Sunderland's Crown Works Studios faltered after leading backer Cain International pulled out, with the city council leader calling initial plans for 19 sound stages 'absolutely crazy'.
Despite these setbacks, some expansion continues, such as at Ealing Studios and a new development in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Chris Berry, a director at Lambert Smith Hampton, noted, 'Land for datacentre development is worth at least twice as much, possibly three times, as studios ever were.'
Ongoing Strength in Production
While commissioning has declined—especially for prestige TV series costing over £1m per hour—UK production remains robust. Nearly £7bn was spent on film and TV production last year, the third highest on record. US studios and streamers accounted for almost 80% of film spending and 82% of high-end TV spending. The UK benefits from better tax relief, skilled labour, and world-class facilities.
Major players have secured long-term deals: Disney at Pinewood, Netflix and Amazon at Shepperton, Amazon at Bray Film Studios, and Netflix at Longcross Studios. Warner Bros owns Leavesden, home to Harry Potter and DC franchises. Sky Studios Elstree serves as NBCUniversal's European base. Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission, said, 'All the major players have established homes here now. The UK is benefiting from stability from core franchises like Bridgerton, Outlander, House of the Dragon, and Star Wars. Costs have increased, but I am cautiously optimistic there is more growth to come.'
