Surrey Canal Studios open in Lewisham

A new media production complex housing London's first walk-in, ready-to-go virtual studio has opened for business in the borough of Lewisham.

Surrey Canal Studios was created through a partnership between Lewisham Council and film industry equipment provider Mo-Sys and is located in South Bermondsey.

It offers a range of studio space, facilities and equipment for hire, supporting film makers, television production companies and new media organisations across the capital.

Specifically, however, it will help to boost the already thriving digital and media sector in Lewisham.

The council is keen to support the 600-plus individual new media businesses that are operating in the borough by creating a local hub.

A survey carried out by the authority last year showed that 96 per cent of local film and digital media groups thought they would benefit from having a studio facility in Lewisham.

The location for Surrey Canal Studios was chosen because of the Surrey Canal regeneration scheme that is currently taking place in the area.

Developer Renewal has refurbished a unit on the site as a temporary home for the facility, with a permanent home in the pipeline three years from now.

"Surrey Canal Studios is one of a number of projects that the council and its partners has initiated over the past year to support the borough's large number of very small businesses (VSBs)," said the authority in a statement.

"Three-quarters of all UK businesses are VSBs - defined as having up to four staff - and Lewisham Council recognises their importance to the local, regional and national economy."

Lewisham is already a popular area for professionals working in all manner of industries, as it offers excellent transport links into Central London and across the rest of the city.

The opening of the Surrey Canal Studios could however attract even more people to the area, with properties to rent in Lewisham appearing particularly desirable to those working in the creative sector.

Posted by Charles Mackay

Published 21st November, 2012

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