Bray Studios
Commercial
Balancing production growth and greenbelt sensitivity.
Project Description
Bray Studios, renowned for producing iconic Hammer horror films in the 1950s, was acquired by Amazon Prime and plans put in place to transition into a modern, state-of-the-art film production facility. The redevelopment aimed to expand the studio’s facilities to support international film and TV production, including high-profile projects like “Rocketman” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
The studios are located on an 18th-century former English country house, 26 miles from London, on the banks of the River Thames. The studio is situated within a Green Belt area, necessitating careful consideration of landscape and visual impacts.
The project holds significant economic potential, with predictions of up to 3,000 jobs created and a boost to the regional economy through expanded production capacity.
Details of Our Involvement
We were engaged primarily to support the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) process, focusing on Verified Views from both local and distant vantage points. Given the sensitivity surrounding the Green Belt, our task included:
- Preparing 25 local and distant views of the site to assess the impacts of the proposed soundstages.
- Conducting site photography and 3D modelling of the proposed buildings and landscape.
- Initial studies included AVR1 outlines of the proposed structures, progressing to AVR3 models representing building materials and potential visual impacts.
The LVIA considered the existing landscape character and visual perception of the development, highlighting the proposed site enhancements along Windsor Road, which would maintain a balance between openness and landscape structure.
Working closely with NPA Landscape Design, our joint efforts focused on:
– Ensuring accurate integration of the new developments into the existing landscape using detailed 3D modelling.
– Depicting the proposed wildflower meadow at the site entrance and modelling planting scenarios from the year of opening through to year ten.
– Striking a balance in the Verified Views by accurately representing both retained and removed buildings during the redevelopment.
Location
- Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Bray, Berkshire
Client
- Bray Studios
Collaborators
Nicholas Pearson Associates
Architects – Tate Hindle
Planning Consultants – Nexus Planning
Bray Studios View Proposed AVR2
Bray Studios View Proposed Year 1
Bray Studios View Proposed Year 10
Results
Working closely with NPA Landscape Design, our joint efforts focused on:
- Ensuring accurate integration of the new developments into the existing landscape using detailed 3D modelling.
- Depicting the proposed wildflower meadow at the site entrance and modelling planting scenarios from the year of opening through to year ten.
- Striking a balance in the Verified Views by accurately representing both retained and removed buildings during the redevelopment.
Conclusion
The outcome of our work culminated in successful planning approval in August 2021.
The project showcases the potential for seamless integration of large developments within rural settings through precise landscape modelling.
This project also underpins the importance of detailed visualisation and stakeholder collaboration in successfully navigating sensitive planning contexts. By employing advanced modelling techniques and engaging comprehensively with stakeholders, we played our part in ensuring that Bray Studios could continue its legacy while adapting to modern production demands in a manner that respects its historical and environmental context.
