McLaren Construction appointed for Fairbanks Studios redevelopment at former BBC Elstree Centre

McLaren Construction has been confirmed as main contractor for the redevelopment of the former BBC Elstree Centre, now rebranded as Fairbanks Studios.

The project is being brought forward by BNP Paribas Asset Management following planning approval secured in December 2025. Enabling and demolition works have now completed, allowing main construction works to commence on site.

Located across a 16-acre brownfield site, the redevelopment will transform approximately half of the existing estate into a new 266,000 sq ft film and television production campus, designed to support the growing demand for high-end TV and independent film production space in the UK.

The remaining part of the site continues to be occupied by the BBC under a long-term lease arrangement, including production facilities associated with EastEnders.

🏗️ Project scope includes:

• five new sound stages

• approximately 100,000 sq ft of production stage space

• workshops and production support facilities

• office accommodation and media workspace

• café and amenity facilities

• 58,000 sq ft Media Hub for media-related occupiers

• associated infrastructure and external works

• The completed sound stages will range between approximately 16,000 sq ft and 21,000 sq ft in size.

Construction is expected to complete during late 2027.

🏗️ Key supply chain appointments

Current known subcontract and delivery partners include:

• Harringtons Builders – groundworks

• Aarsleff – piling

• SCWS – steelwork

• Halsall – MEP

• Northern Cladding – cladding

🏗️ ConstructNet Intelligence Overview

The Fairbanks Studios redevelopment represents a significant investment into the UK film and television infrastructure sector, which continues experiencing strong demand for studio and production capacity.

The scheme is likely to generate ongoing supply chain opportunities across:

• specialist fit-out and acoustic packages

• production infrastructure installation

• M&E and technical systems integration

• external works and landscaping

• access systems and temporary works

• media and broadcast specialist installations

• logistics and construction support services

The continued expansion of UK film studio capacity also reflects sustained investment into media production infrastructure, particularly across strategically located South East studio markets.

⚠️ ConstructNet Disclaimer

This ConstructNet intelligence brief is based on publicly available development information and ConstructNet analysis. It is provided for business development and market awareness purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, procurement or legal advice. Users should independently verify all project and procurement information before taking action.