Arborfield Studios

Arborfield Studios are located on a site which was previously part of the Arborfield Garrison which was established in 1904 for the Army Remount Service.^[1] After WW2, it served as the depot of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and housed the REME Museum. The military left in 2015,^[2] and the potential of the large hangars for film production was recognised.

In 2016, the DIO developed the site, and plans were approved on 2 February 2017 to convert a section of the disused barracks into a film studio.^[3] The studios partnered with Sohonet at the end of 2017.^[4]

The temporary planning permission expires on 1 February 2026, leaving the Studios future uncertain.^[5]

Arborfield Studios offers a total of three filming stages.^[6] The stages vary significantly in size:

• Stage 1: Approximately 70,000 sq ft (tallest working height: 39 ft)
• Stage 2: Approximately 13,200 sq ft (tallest working height: 26 ft)
• Stage 3: Approximately 13,500 sq ft (tallest working height: 29 ft)
• Stages 4, 5, and 6 are smaller, with areas ranging from 7,100 to 16,000 sq ft and heights up to 35 ft.^[7][8] And are used as supplementary warehourses, offices, workshops and amenities.^[5]

The studios provide extensive space for various production needs, including: Wardrobe, Art department, Construction, Props, Office space, Editorial/VFX suites and two backlot areas (approx. 90,000 sq ft and 50,000 sq ft) suitable for building exterior sets.^[6]