The firm was selected by Barking and Dagenham 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, three acres of backlot, offices and ancillary space, totalling over half a million square feet.
HCP’s hundreds of millions in direct investment will also involve an endowment to maximise local jobs, placements, apprenticeships, community outreach and supply chain opportunities.
The studios will be a major boost for the borough, the entertainment industry and the capital, creating an estimated 1,200 jobs, contributing £35m per year to the local economy and inspiring more development into thriving East London. The capital has a hugely successful film and TV industry and, with more than £3.6bn spent in the UK last year on film and television production, it will play a key role in London’s economic recovery. Following work by Film London and the British Film Commission to help the industry through the pandemic, it is currently estimated that over 85 per cent of film and TV production is running again, supporting more than 100,000 jobs, with the majority in London and the South East.
-- Advertisement --
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.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "Dagenham used to be famous for factories and Fords but in the future, we will be equally famous for making films. It's not for the glamour or glory. It's about bringing in thousands of jobs, providing education and training opportunities for local young people, and giving people hope in these gloomy Covid times.
"So, I am hugely proud to announce HCP as our partner. They are the right people at the right time. It's the 'reel deal' for our borough, London and the UK. Movies will be Made in Dagenham."
Michael Hackman, CEO Hackman Capital Partners, said: "We are proud to be partnering with Councillor Rodwell and his team to bring this exciting project to fruition. Together with the diverse and talented people of Barking and Dagenham, our investment will help write the script for the next iteration of 'Made in Dagenham'."
