The redevelopment of the former BBC Elstree Centre into Fairbanks Studios, spearheaded by McLaren Construction, is set to reach completion by late 2027. This project, backed by BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, aims to boost the UK's film and TV production sector, which is experiencing significant growth.
What Happened
McLaren Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the transformation of the former BBC Elstree Centre, now known as Fairbanks Studios. Planning consent was secured in December 2025, and enabling and demolition works have been completed, paving the way for the main construction phase. The redevelopment encompasses a 16-acre site, with approximately half dedicated to a 266,000 square foot campus designed to serve the high-end TV and independent film industry. The new facilities, expected to be operational by late 2027, will significantly expand production capacity with 100,000 square feet of stage space across five sound stages. These stages will vary in size from 16,000 to 21,000 square feet. Additional plans include new workshops, offices, a café, and a 58,000 square foot Media Hub, offering office and amenity space for media-related businesses.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This redevelopment is a significant boon for the AECM sector, promising to generate around 390 construction jobs and over 1,200 full-time equivalent roles once completed. The project’s focus on sustainability, targeting Outstanding ratings under both BREEAM and the Albert Studio Sustainability Standard, sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious construction. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to contribute approximately £80 million annually in inward investment, underscoring the economic potential of strategic infrastructure projects. McLaren Construction's collaboration with a robust supply chain, including HarringtonsBuilders, Aarsleff, SCWS, Halsall, and NorthernCladding, highlights the importance of strong partnerships in delivering complex projects efficiently.
What's Next
As the project progresses, industry professionals should monitor the construction milestones leading up to the late 2027 completion date. The expansion of production space at Fairbanks Studios is poised to meet the rising demand for high-quality production facilities in the UK, a Warren YMCA Redevelopment Secures Funding for 2027 Construction Start.
