News : Maida Vale Studios announces plans for a revamp by Hans Zimmer group

Maida Vale Studios have announced that they will be getting a revamp under their new owners which includes German film composer Hans Zimmer.

Last August, the complex made up of seven studios on Delaware Road in West London, was sold to a partnership between Zimmer, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, and Steven Kofsky. The studio was first bought by the BBC in 1933 and has hosted the likes of David Bowie, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and many more.

News of the sale first emerged in July 2023, with reports suggesting that Zimmer bought the BBC‘s iconic studio for £10.5million.

Now, the group have launched a consultation on its proposals for a “retrofit-first refurbishment” of the space, according to London News Online. MVS Partnership LLP has not yet submitted a formal planning application to Westminster City Council.

The consultation details that the group will be taking a retro-fitting approach to the revamp, meaning that they will prioritise maintaining the existing building while upgrading it with energy-efficient and technological improvements, according to BBC News.

The plans also detail three new “state-of-the-art” studios with additional composer suites and music rooms. According to the consultation website, “the renovated studios will provide circa 42,000 sq ft of creative workspace within the existing building, with flexible and adaptable technology.”

Also envisioned are various high-tech editing facilities with food and drink spaces available on-site for both staff and visitors. The consultation also shared that the refurbishment of the iconic space would deliver a venue of “national importance to UK and creative industries”.

It continued: “This (sic) proposed upgrades will set new benchmarks for excellence in British film and music post-production, fostering the creation of new jobs, driving innovation, and promoting industry investment.”

Geoff Barraclough, a cabinet member and ward councillor for Maida Vale, said: “We’re delighted that Maida Vale Studios’ long history will continue under new ownership. We are particularly pleased they will be working closely with Westminster council’s new North Paddington Creative Enterprise Zone, which will give local young talent the chance to work in this wonderful new facility.”

He continued: “As with any planning application, there will be plenty of details to examine before the scheme is approved and we will want to ensure that local residents don’t suffer during the building works.”

In other news, Zimmer recently announced a UK and Ireland arena tour for 2025 – you can find all the details here.