The owners of the Sunset Waltham Cross Studios have today informed the Council that they are exploring alternative uses for the site amid an ongoing pause in the project.
Development of the site was paused in 2023 following a change in global market conditions, and the owners of the site, a joint venture between Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties, are now undertaking a feasibility study to look at alternate uses.
The 91-acre site, close to M25 junction 25, is allocated in the Borough’s approved Local Plan 2018 – 2033 as a strategic employment site. The Council will now work closely with the owners to ensure that its future use is in line with that allocation.
Councillor Mark Mills- Bishop, Leader of Broxbourne Council said:
I am extremely disappointed to learn that the planned Sunset Studios facility will now not proceed. It is my understanding that the market conditions are currently not favourable for new film studios across the UK.
The decision may well be taken out of my hands if a large unitary council replaces the Borough of Broxbourne as part of Local Government Reorganisation, but I will do everything I can to ensure that future development on that site provides the best possible economic opportunities for the residents of Broxbourne.
The joint venture that owns the site said:
We are grateful to Broxbourne Council for all their support towards this project to date. We share their disappointment that a studio development is no longer feasible at this time given market conditions.
We are determined to work with the Council to secure the best possible alternative use for the site to support economic prosperity for the local community.
Discussions are underway between the Council and the site’s owners on the next steps.
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