A proposal to turn former BBC studios in Maida Vale into a ‘world leading’ film and music centre run in part by famous composer Hans Zimmer is a step closer to becoming reality.
Zimmer’s MVS Partnership LLP has applied to turn the dated studios into a state-of-the-art film and music production arena under one roof.
The proposal includes the complete removal of audio recording studios and replacing them with up to 30 composer suites, writing studios as well as general workspace. There are also plans for ‘breakout areas’, a kitchen and bar.
This all forms part of MVS’ vision of a building divided loosely into two zones – visual and audio – in line with the company’s distinct partnership of film and music businesses. The building is set to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The larger part of the building would be dedicated to MVS’ music business while filming is based in newly-built studios at ground and basement level. MVS stressed there would be no ‘hard line’ between the two sections.
The application has received blowback from residents who are concerned the 400-person space would lead to more traffic and noise. MVS said running a 24/7 operation was ‘akin’ to similar offices in the borough and would provide flexibility in what has been described as ‘dynamic schedules’ of film and music production crews.
It has also proposed restricting noise between 11pm and 6am and has no plans to run concerns inside. They also said plans for a central staff cafe and bar space could reduce disturbances as workers choose to stay inside.
Westminster City Council said the proposal does not include any dedicated on-street parking meaning anyone looking to park would need to pay for this themselves.
The council also anticipates people will use public transport or make use of cycling bays to travel to the studios.
A report by the council read: “The proposed development seeks to create a facility of international importance to film, television and music that will act as a catalyst for the North Paddington Creative Enterprise Zone, London and according to the applicant, the UK and the global creative industries which is fully in accordance with all levels of planning policy at a strategic level.”
MVS also proposed freshening up the building’s white stucco-clad masonry and installing planting and seating areas at both entrances. There will be four state-of-the-art music studios and 30 music practice rooms.
A large space at the southern end of the building will be adapted to create a new ‘visual wing’ with a range of high-tech facilities, including a sound effects studio and editing suites, according to the applicant’s website.
The basement level will be excavated to create a new screening room and sound studio while the roof will be replaced and include solar panels. There are also plans to restore the building’s original roller skating roof trusses and install biodiverse green roofing.
MVS is offering £137,000 in financial contributions, including £21,000 in carbon offset payments. The former BBC site was purchased by the partnership in 2023 from the broadcaster and had been listed for a reported £10.5m.
MVS will take full ownership of the premises in 2026 when the BBC moves to new studios in Stratford, East London. Maida Vale Studios is a Grade-II listed building.
The BBC converted it into studios in 1933, and since then has hosted a huge array of artists from The Beatles to Beyoncé and Sir Elton John.
In 2018 the BBC announced it was to move its live music hub to Stratford, having previously described the Maida Vale site as ‘wholly unsuitable for the 21st century’. It had previously been a roller skating rink built in 1909.
MVS is a partnership between Zimmer and his long-time business partner Steve Kofsky, and leaking UK film producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Westminster City Council will review the application on Tuesday, April 1.
