Multimillion pound film studio development in Ashford given the go-ahead

Plans to build a £250m film studio creating 2,000 jobs in Ashford have been approved by council planners.

The Newton Works development is due to be built on a disused railway yard that's been derelict since the 1980s.

Netflix and Amazon are among producers said to be looking at using studio space at the site, which is due to open in 2022.

Developers Quinn Estates said that the development is a chance to "rebuild the industry" and "regain momentum temporarily lost as a result of what has been happening globally."

The development will include 240,000 square foot of studio production space, a 120-bed hotel and 300 residential apartments.

The plans will also reuse Grade II listed railway sheds onsite, incorporating them into workshops being built for the studios.

Mark Quinn, chairman of Quinn Estates, said that the company charged with finding tenants for the studios, is already talking to Netflix, Disney and HBO.

The Ashford International Studio plans are one of many schemes being launched across the region as demand for studio space continues to grow.

US-based production company Blackhall studios launched its plan to develop studios at the Thames Valley Science Park in February.