London Ealing Studios
The sensitive redevelopment of the world’s oldest continuously operating film studio, delivering a net zero, future-ready production campus.
Client
Confidential
Programme
63 weeks
Size (sq.ft)
14,000
Programme
63 weeks
Architect
Create Design
Engineer
Fairhurst
Completion
August 2025
About This Project
The comprehensive redevelopment of Ealing Studios, the world’s oldest continuously operating film studio, delivering a new production hub designed to support the evolving needs of the global film, television and media industry. The project blends contemporary studio facilities with sensitive heritage preservation, reinforcing Ealing Studios’ status as a world-class creative destination.
Glencar’s scope encompassed the delivery of new Class E studio buildings, including a state-of-the-art sound stage, modern workshops and seven floors of open-plan office accommodation arranged across two new buildings flanking the main stage. A prominent new entrance and public-facing reception hub has been created to establish a clear sense of arrival and strengthen the studio’s identity. The works required careful integration with retained Grade II listed buildings, including historic sound stages, which remain untouched.
Delivered through a detailed two-stage negotiation process, the project involved extensive collaboration with the client and design team to explore value engineering opportunities while maintaining the highest acoustic, architectural and performance standards. Specialist acoustic solutions were incorporated to mitigate external noise, including bespoke roof construction designed to address aircraft activity from nearby Heathrow Airport.
Sustainability was central to the scheme, which achieves BREEAM Outstanding and is believed to be the world’s first Net Zero Carbon film studio. The completed development provides a highly sustainable, future-ready production campus that supports creative growth while preserving the heritage of this iconic site.
Glencar’s scope encompassed the delivery of new Class E studio buildings, including a state-of-the-art sound stage, modern workshops and seven floors of open-plan office accommodation arranged across two new buildings flanking the main stage. A prominent new entrance and public-facing reception hub has been created to establish a clear sense of arrival and strengthen the studio’s identity. The works required careful integration with retained Grade II listed buildings, including historic sound stages, which remain untouched.
Delivered through a detailed two-stage negotiation process, the project involved extensive collaboration with the client and design team to explore value engineering opportunities while maintaining the highest acoustic, architectural and performance standards. Specialist acoustic solutions were incorporated to mitigate external noise, including bespoke roof construction designed to address aircraft activity from nearby Heathrow Airport.
Sustainability was central to the scheme, which achieves BREEAM Outstanding and is believed to be the world’s first Net Zero Carbon film studio. The completed development provides a highly sustainable, future-ready production campus that supports creative growth while preserving the heritage of this iconic site.
Charlie Fremantle
Studio Manager, Ealing Studios
"Prior to the expansion of the studios we had no (or limited) experience of the construction industry and were somewhat apprehensive of what and how events would unfold as Ealing Studios is a confined site located in a conservation area and surrounded by residential properties. Our fears were ungrounded because right from the outset Glencar’s communication with us, our tenants and the residential neighbours was (and still is) excellent and provided a clear plan and schedule of works for all to see.
Glencar went to extreme care with all their deliveries thus allowing us to operate the site and if there were any potential ‘red flags’ we discussed all the possible outcomes and have always arrived at a solution that works for both Glencar and the studios.
What has impressed us is not just Glencar’s communication skills it is that that they run a tight, clean and efficient site which gives us the confidence that Glencar were the right contractor for the project. They are decent bunch to deal with too!”
