Amazon MGM Studios Eyes Major Overhaul of Historic Berkshire Film Lot
Entertainment

Amazon MGM Studios Eyes Major Overhaul of Historic Berkshire Film Lot

Amazon MGM Studios is planning a sweeping redevelopment of Bray Studios in Berkshire, with ambitions to create thousands of new jobs and transform the iconic site.

By Mick Smith3 min read

Amazon MGM Studios Plots Ambitious Transformation of Bray Studios

Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled bold plans to dramatically redevelop its Berkshire film studio, positioning the historic Bray Studios site as a major new employment and production hub for the UK screen industry.

The American entertainment giant has been operating at Bray Studios since 2022 and is preparing to formally submit a planning application later this summer, following a public consultation that recently closed.

What the Redevelopment Would Include

The proposed overhaul goes well beyond the expansion that was greenlit under the site's previous ownership back in 2022. Amazon's refreshed vision for the property includes:

  • Six brand-new sound stages
  • A multi-storey car park
  • A new visitor hub and café
  • An on-site farm shop
  • A replacement roundabout at Water Oakley Lane to ease traffic flow on the A308

Amazon says these upgrades are essential to fully unlocking the site's production capabilities and long-term commercial potential.

Thousands of Jobs on the Line

The economic case for the project is significant. Amazon estimates the redevelopment could support approximately 3,200 full-time jobs across the United Kingdom, with around 1,700 of those positions based in Berkshire alone.

"Our proposals will unlock the potential of this iconic employment hub, delivering significant jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements both locally and across the wider area," the company stated.

A Studio Steeped in Cinematic History

Bray Studios carries a remarkable legacy that stretches back more than seven decades. The site became the creative home of Hammer Films in 1951, where the legendary production company crafted over 100 horror and fantasy features. Classics such as The Mummy, The Curse of Frankenstein, and Dracula were born on these grounds, bringing global fame to iconic actors including Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

The studios' illustrious history doesn't end there. Scenes from the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show were captured at Bray in 1974, and visionary director Ridley Scott used the facility in 1978 to construct and film the intricate miniatures for his Academy Award-winning sci-fi masterpiece, Alien.

Amazon's Commitment to the Community

"As the new custodians of the world-famous Bray Studios, we are committed to long-term stewardship and investment in the community," Amazon said, emphasising that its intentions extend beyond pure commercial gain.

The company is now reviewing feedback gathered during the public consultation period and hopes to secure approval from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council by autumn.

The announcement comes after a separate film studio proposal in nearby Holyport was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate last year, underscoring the importance of Amazon's project for regional screen industry growth.