Key Points
- Camden Film Quarter proposes a £1 billion film and TV studio complex in Kentish Town, London.
- Development aims to create “state-of-the-art” production stages rivaling New York and Los Angeles studios.
- Plans include 500 affordable homes across two high-rise towers.
- The scheme features new educational hubs for the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and London Screen Academy.
- Camden Council approved the masterplan earlier in 2025, but the latest submission has sparked local objections.
- Developer Yoo Capital purchased the industrial Regis Road site in 2023.
- The regeneration aims to deliver 1,370 construction jobs over three years.
- Concerns by residents focus on tower heights, proximity to a recycling centre, and potential neighbourhood impact.
- Local campaign group Bacton Towers Action and residents have requested an extension to the consultation deadline.
What is the Camden Film Quarter and where is it located?
According to an article by Emma Sheppard of MyLondon News, Camden Film Quarter is a proposed £1 billion development to transform an industrial area in Kentish Town, London, into a world-class film and television production hub. The site, located between Kentish Town Tube station and Grafton Road on Regis Road, is currently described as “closed-off and unwelcoming,” owned by the investment firm Yoo Capital.
The applicant’s vision, reported by Sheppard, is to establish a
“UK-first film studios hub in the heart of the city, capitalising on Camden’s creative talent and bringing opportunities to the community.”
Yoo Capital acquired the site in 2023 as part of its broader London redevelopment ambitions, which include projects near Shepherd’s Bush Market and Kensington Olympia.
How ambitious are the film studio plans and what facilities will be included?
The proposed Camden Film Quarter aims to create “cutting-edge” production stages with facilities tailored for visual effects, animation, and post-production. The developer claims these studios will rival and even surpass comparable facilities in major global hubs like New York and Los Angeles, positioning Camden as London’s “premier film and TV quarter.” This information was detailed in the MyLondon News coverage by Emma Sheppard.
These “state-of-the-art” stages form the core of the plan to establish a creative cluster designed to attract both local talent and international productions. The development will also incorporate a mixed-use, walkable neighbourhood with cycle lanes and pedestrian routes, setting it apart from typical industrial shed studio complexes.
What housing and community facilities are planned in the development?
In addition to film studios, the scheme proposes two new high-rise towers that will contain at least 500 affordable homes. Emma Sheppard’s reporting emphasises that Yoo Capital is committed to creating a “mixed and walkable neighbourhood,” contributing to Camden’s housing supply by integrating residential units within the development.
Moreover, the masterplan includes educational hubs for prestigious institutions such as the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the London Screen Academy. These spaces aim to foster skills development and nurture new talent for the creative industries, thus expanding Camden’s cultural landscape.
What is the local council’s stance and what does the planning approval status look like?
Camden Council initially approved the masterplan for the redevelopment in March 2025, according to local news coverage by MyLondon News. However, the latest planning submission for detailed stages and housing has reignited concerns among residents and community groups.
If granted planning permission, the regeneration project is expected to create approximately 1,370 jobs during its three-year construction period, contributing positively to the local economy.
Why are local residents and campaign groups opposing the plans?
Despite excitement over the studios, objections have surfaced regarding aspects of the development. Some residents argue that the two proposed high-rise towers are “squeezed into” the west end of the site and claim that houses nearby will be “blighted” by the presence of film studios. The height of the towers has also been criticised as “extreme” and unsuitable for the area.
Eileen Sullivan, a local resident quoted in MyLondon News by Emma Sheppard, expressed disappointment, stating she was “thrilled” about the film studios but “shocked” to learn social housing is planned near a recycling centre: “It’s truly a disgusting idea,” she said.
The local campaigning group Bacton Towers Action, along with other residents, have requested an extension to the consultation deadline—currently set for 14 December 2025—arguing the timeframe is too short for the community to fully assess the proposals and respond.
How can local people engage with these plans?
Residents and interested parties can submit their responses and feedback on the Camden Film Quarter plans via Camden Council’s online planning portal. As detailed by Emma Sheppard in MyLondon News, the council encourages community participation to ensure the development meets local needs and addresses concerns.
Who is Yoo Capital and what other London developments are they involved in?
Yoo Capital is the developer behind Camden Film Quarter. The firm has a track record of redeveloping significant London sites, including the area beneath Shepherd’s Bush Market and the Kensington Olympia venue. In 2025, Yoo Capital also gained approval to convert Shaftesbury Theatre into a Soho hotel and a permanent home for Cirque du Soleil, reflecting its strong presence in London’s cultural and real estate sectors.
