University submits plans for new TV studio at Thames Valley Science Park

Plans for a new purpose-built TV studio located at the Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield have been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council.

The proposal, submitted by the University of Reading, aligns with the University's future concept for the Science and Innovation Park, forming part of a new ‘Cine Valley'. In December 2020, the University announced a deal with a US film studios investor to develop a major film studios and creative media campus, to be known as Shinfield Studios.

The TV studio, which aims to be operational in early 2022, will host a range of popular TV shows and is being developed to accommodate the latest broadcast and media technology.

Darren Browne, Commercial Director at the University of Reading, said: "The location of the Thames Valley Science Park, and its proximity to the University's Department of Film, Theatre and Television, make for an attractive proposition to an industry that desperately needs extra studio space. The proposal of this new purpose-built TV studio fits in with our aims to bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunity in the film, TV and creative media industries to our local area.

"We are in talks with a prospective tenant for this new studio and hope to share more details on this soon."

The finished studio would bring new jobs in the creative industries to the Thames Valley Science Park, but with a lower density of staff or road traffic associated with a traditional office development.

Professor John Gibbs, professor of film and Head of the School of Arts & Communication Design, said: "This is a very welcome project to create a modern TV studio facility in Reading, hot on the heels of the deal already announced with a Hollywood movie studio to create a film studios complex at Thames Valley Science Park.

"I am particularly excited about the potential opportunities it could create for students and the local community, not only by bringing another leading creative industry to the area and creating jobs, but for the opportunity for people to take part in entertainment programmes that we normally only see on TV."

The new development is being planned in keeping with the principles of the University of Reading of community, engagement, sustainability and excellence. People, and the development of a strong community, will be at the forefront of plans, including putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of decision-making. The development will also uphold values of environmental sustainability, supporting the University's aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The planning application can be viewed on the Wokingham Borough Council planning portal - application no. 210210.