A major boost for the local community is on the horizon as SCIO Capital announces plans to breathe new life into Winnersh Film Studios.
The site, based at Winnersh Triangle Business Park, has stood empty since April 2024. Just months ago, Wokingham Borough Council gave the green light for demolition. But with a fresh 30-year lease secured, the new operators are determined to put Winnersh back on the film-making map.
SCIO Capital, which also runs Wycombe Film Studios in Buckinghamshire, believes reopening the studios will benefit both the film industry and the local economy.
Operations director Laurence McCormack and project manager Terry Winter – both of whom worked under the former owners Stage Fifty – said they want to revive the “buzz” that once surrounded the site. Stage Fifty collapsed in the wake of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes in the US, leaving the studio silent.
“When the studios were active, there was real energy here,” said Mr McCormack. “The local economy felt it too – from construction suppliers to hair and makeup artists, we always encouraged productions to use businesses on their doorstep.”
Mr Winter added that the studio is more than just four walls. Its location opens up a wealth of filming possibilities – from nearby parkland and streets to stairwells and modern office backdrops.
Signs of Recovery for UK Film
The industry has faced tough times over the past 18 months, but Mr McCormack says there are now “good signs of recovery”.
While Winnersh will reopen on a smaller scale, the team believes it is ideally placed to attract the growing number of independent film productions in the UK.
“Getting this studio back up and running will not only bring the buzz back to Winnersh but also provide a full production package for filmmakers,” said Mr McCormack.
