Residents are being encouraged to ‘have your say on the future of Bray Studios’ as Amazon MGM Studios unveils its major redevelopment plans to create a ‘world-leading’ production hub.

The proposals, set to be submitted to the Royal Borough later this year, would see the historic site upgraded to ‘a thriving new employment hub’ while preserving key heritage features.

Bray Film Studios has held a place in the history of British filmmaking since the 1950s and was previously the home of Hammer horror films.

The Water Oakley site was purchased by Amazon MGM Studios in 2024.

This week, the streaming giant launched a public consultation on plans to expand and modernise Bray Studios, ahead of a revised application to replace the existing permission, which could be submitted this summer.

Immediate online reactions to the proposals acknowledged the benefits of investment in the historic site to the local economy, while concerns have been raised about traffic, noise and lighting.

Under the scheme, the site would be redeveloped to allow two major productions to be filmed on site simultaneously, alongside new sound stages, workshops and an on-site car park.

Historic elements of the site, including the Grade II-listed Down Place at the heart of the 3,600sqft studio complex, will be restored and conserved as part of the project.

The redevelopment will be designed to meet high environmental standards, aligning with Amazon’s climate pledge to reach net zero carbon by 2040.

Key measures include all-electric stages powered by on-site renewable energy, delivering biodiversity net gain through new planting and habitat creation, rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems.

The design also features aluminium vertical fin cladding to reduce visual impact.

A new roundabout is proposed to replace the existing T-junction with Water Oakley Lane to improve access, while a staff travel plan would prioritise shuttle buses, car sharing and cycling.

There could be investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, a detailed transport assessment to help minimise additional traffic and funding for mitigation measures.

Social media users have questioned whether the A308 could cope with increased HGV traffic and the problems associated with powerful lighting from simultaneous productions.

Expanding an established facility takes the pressure off resurrecting the Holyport Film Studios plan, but others questioned its need once Marlow Film Studios is in operation.

Some have praised the potential job opportunities for young people and are happy to see a blueprint that secures the long-term future of Bray Film Studios.

“I love the fact that we've gone from nearly losing a unique feature of our town, steeped in film history, to it being expanded,” said Facebook user Caroline Hatt.

“As long as it doesn’t lose the soul of what the studio used to be, I’m happy.”

The 1990s marked the beginning of Bray Studios’ decline, with new owners acquiring the site in 2014, and it being on the verge of becoming housing after the Royal Borough approved a 25-home scheme.

But the plans never came to pass, and rising investment in the film and TV industry enabled Bray Studios to return to filming in 2017.

Temporary planning permission for new sound stages and workshops was granted in 2020, and planning permission to expand Bray Studios was approved in 2021.

Amazon MGM Studios then confirmed in July 2024 that it was buying Bray Film Studios, following an announcement that the Lord of the Rings spin-off, The Rings of Power, would be filmed there.

Developers say the scheme would deliver significant economic benefits, including job creation, a long-term source of business rates for the council and investment in the local area through initiatives and sponsorship.

It is estimated that the project could support more than 3,000 jobs across the UK, including around 1,700 in Berkshire.

Amazon MGM Studios said the expansion would also support on-the-job training and skills development, with local opportunities through partnerships with organisations such as Screen Berkshire, ScreenSkills, and the National Film and Television School.

A spokesperson for Amazon MGM Studios said: “We encourage all local people, small businesses and community groups to engage with our consultation on the exciting next steps for the iconic studio.

“This proposal is all about safeguarding the world-famous film heritage of Bray Studios and securing the future of this major asset in the Royal Borough.”

A public exhibition is scheduled at Braywood Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 30, from 4pm to 8pm for residents to speak to the team and submit a paper feedback form.

Responses will be reviewed in May, before a formal planning application is submitted to the council, which is expected to be determined in autumn 2026.

Residents can view and comment on the scheme during the public consultation until May 10 at braystudiosredevelopment.co.uk