Plans for Maida Vale’s “retrofit-first refurbishment” are once again in motion, as a planning application for the iconic studios has officially been submitted to Westminster City Council.

Maida Vale, which formerly belonged to the BBC, was sold to Hans Zimmer and others in 2023 for a reported £10.5 million. Plans for its “state of the art” makeover led by the Oscar-winning composer were further outlined in September last year, but at the time, a formal planning application was yet to be submitted.

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Now, as per MusicRadar, a planning application has officially been filed by Mavis Partnership LLC – a group led by Zimmer that includes business partner Steve Kofsky and British film producers Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan – which Westminster City Council will review on 1 April.

As outlined by the Future Of Maida Vale website, the refurbishment plans focus on sustainability, as well as “retaining and enhancing the Edwardian frame and frontage” of the venue,  and “upgrading the existing recording studios to deliver state of the art music studios, film production and editing facilities which meet the demands of today’s creative industries”.

The proposal also suggests that an ‘audio wing’ will house the four largest studio spaces (MV0, MV1, MV2 and MV3), and will feature composer suites, music rooms, control rooms and workspace alongside amenities and food/beverage facilities for staff and visitors.

A second, ‘visual wing’ – the large space at the southern end of the building – will focus on film, and will include a range of high-tech facilities including ADR (Dialogue Replacement Dubbing), Dubbing Stages (Sound Stages), Foley Studio (Sound Effects), a screening room, editing suites, colour grading and flexible workspaces.

“This proposed upgrades will set new benchmarks for excellence in British film and music post-production, fostering the creation of new jobs, driving innovation, and promoting industry investment,” the website reads.

Find out more and read the full vision statement over on the Maida Vale Studios website.

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