Pinewood Studios, a cornerstone of the UK’s film production landscape, has unveiled revised expansion plans that reflect the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry. Originally approved in 2023 for a 1.4 million square foot expansion dedicated entirely to film production—including 21 new sound stages, a backlot, and an education hub—the studio has now adapted its strategy. The updated proposal allocates approximately 78% of the expansion (around 1.1 million square feet) to state-of-the-art data center facilities, with the remaining 300,000 square feet reserved for film production spaces, comprising five sound stages, production offices, workshops, and a backlot.
This strategic pivot is influenced by a global downturn in film and high-end television production, prompting Pinewood to reassess its development plans. The integration of data centers aligns with the UK government’s emphasis on bolstering digital infrastructure, positioning Pinewood at the intersection of creative and technological industries.
David Conway, CEO of Pinewood Group, commented on this development: “We are a dynamic business in a fast-moving industry, and we are committed to investing in the ongoing expansion of Pinewood Studios. The reduction in global content production, combined with rising construction costs and business rates, triggered a review of our existing planning consent, and we believe the revised proposals provide a credible alternative.”
The proposed data center facilities are set to occupy the southern portion of the Pinewood South site, capitalizing on the area’s robust power and fiber infrastructure. This region is already home to data centers operated by industry giants such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and NTT, underscoring its strategic significance.
While the entertainment industry faces challenges, Pinewood Studios’ adaptive approach highlights the potential for growth and innovation within the sector. By diversifying its infrastructure to include data centers, Pinewood not only addresses current market conditions but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the UK’s digital and creative economies.
