Work is underway to explore the potential of developing a new film and TV studio facility in London.

Mayor Sadiq Khan is working alongside Film London, the London Local Enterprise Panel (LEP) and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to commission a feasibility study for the development at Dagenham East.

The potential site is located in front of London-east industrial park and has been shortlisted due to its large size and nearby connections with the District Line and Crossrail services.

Up to £80,000 with now be invested by the London LEP and Barking and Dagenham Council to develop a business case for the proposed project, which would mark the first new TV and film production studios created in London for at least 25 years.

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Mayor Khan said: "From James Bond and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Bridget Jones's Baby, London has a vibrant production history and some of the best studios in the world. To sustain and grow this success story, it is critical that the capital gets significantly more studio and production capacity to maximise the opportunities for filmmaking. London is open to the best creative and cultural minds and I am looking forward to exploring whether a new film studio in Dagenham could help the capital's film industry thrive for years to come."

Council Leader Darren Rodwell added: "We are working together to create a blockbuster deal to generate hundreds of exciting opportunities for local young people and bolster Barking and Dagenham's reputation as London's latest creative hotspot. Our ambition is that in future, Dagenham will become world famous for films rather than Fords."

(LM/MH)