Controversial £1bn Marlow Film Studios site championed as 'transformative' project

Peter Evans made the comments after the chamber hosted a special event with Marlow Studios at Marlow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday evening.

He acknowledged that the controversial studios development was not supported by everyone, but said it was vital for businesses in the town to engage with the project.

“The purpose of this meeting was to share information and answer some of the key questions that chamber members have at this stage. Information is the key otherwise speculation takes over,” he said.

“We acknowledge that not everyone supports the planned development, but the project has been given the go ahead and we need to ensure our members and the local business community are kept up to date.

“The potential benefits for local business are immense, and by holding joint meetings at each stage of the project we can work to ensure opportunities are identified and concerns addressed for the benefit of the Marlow business community and Marlow as a whole.”

During the meeting, businesses and studio representatives discussed the next steps in the development, as well as potential opportunities for firms.

Marlow Studios, formerly known as Marlow Film Studios, recently acquired Marlow International — a 12-acre office site adjacent to the main 90-acre development.

The scheme was approved by the government in November last year after plans were initially rejected by Buckinghamshire Council amid concerns about building on protected land.

Richard Meredith, director of communications at Marlow Studios, added:“The £1bn investment in Marlow Studios will be transformative for the community and local business.

“We want to ensure that the impact of the construction process on Marlow and the local environment is managed and minimised and we will keep the community informed of anything that might impact on daily lives.

“As part of this, we will be engaging with all local community groups to hear their viewpoints. Local businesses, represented by the Chamber of Commerce, will be particularly valued partners.

“In the longer term, we believe the studios will create tangible long-term growth for all kinds of businesses around Marlow – both those directly involved in film and TV and the creative sector, as well as those other businesses across the area, from hospitality to transportation.

“For our young people, this means jobs and careers in the local area. For the UK it means a £1bn vote of confidence in our creative sector.”