Wokingham: Plans to demolish Winnersh Studios approved...

Wokingham: Plans to demolish Winnersh Studios approved

Plans have been cleared to demolish a movie theatre that used to house Hollywood blockbusters.

Since its owners, Stage Fifty, went into administration in April 2024, Winnersh Studios in Winnersh Triangle

Business Park has been unoccupied.

After the American writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023, the corporation entered administration.

In 2022, the studios were initially granted retrospective clearance with the goal of creating about 1,000 new jobs in

the region.

Hollywood blockbusters like Ghostbusters: Empire and George Clooney’s The Boys on the Boat were frequently

filmed there.

Plans to demolish the site, which consists of temporary structures 1100 and 1040, have officially been accepted by

Wokingham Borough Council.

The 5,400 square meters of floor space in the 1100 series were utilised for sound, video, and film recording.

It can be reached via Eskdale Road and is encircled by offices, a sports complex and an all-weather pitch.

Site 1040 is used for the same purpose and is located near other offices and the Crown Plaza hotel.

Consultants for planning Turley noted that: “Consideration is being given to the future development options for the

site, which will support the long term strategic function of the business park in the long term and provide flexible

employment floorspace to meet market demands.”

A demolition statement said the site will be left in a ‘flat, level and tidy condition’ with all waste material moved.

Wokingham Borough Council has granted approval to the plans subject to works following the submitted demolition

statement.