Unanimous backing has been received for a film and television heritage centre that will celebrate Hertsmere’s long-standing association with the industry.

A cross-party motion calling for the creation of a group to generate plans and "ultimately the delivery of a film and television centre in Borehamwood" was brought forward at a council meeting last week.

Borehamwood has a rich film and TV history and still plays a prominent role with Elstree Studios, BBC studios, with a Sky Studios on the way too.

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of the Labour group and proposer of the motion, said: "The creative arts and creative sector now more than ever needs our support. Hertsmere as a whole, not just Elstree and Borehamwood, has a proud history of being at the heart of the creative industry, dating back to 1913.

"Today, with the development of Sky Studios Elstree, the first new studios to open in the area for many years, and the expansion of Elstree Studios, it makes sense that we take steps to recognise that heritage, build on it and harness its power to help promote local tourism and boost our local economy following the pandemic.

"We’ve already gone some way to achieving that with the agreement of a local creative arts fund through funding provided by the expansion of Elstree Studios.

"However, this motion commits the council to use its influence and authority to help ensure the long-standing and ongoing contribution to our community and the sector as a whole made by the borough’s film and TV industry is duly recognised and celebrated."

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Conservative councillor Caroline Clapper, who seconded the motion, said: "Elstree and Borehamwood is well-known for its rich and vibrant history in film and television.

"In recent years, people have come to know our borough as home to Elstree Studios or BBC EastEnders, but in fact Hertsmere has been home to 12 studios going back more than 100 years.

"With the development of Sky Studios Elstree and expansion of the council-owned Elstree Film Studios, the world-famous home to global film favourites Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Superman, we are seeing the return of the British Hollywood.

"To have a place to learn about our Elstree Film Studios, alongside all the other studios, would be a great source of pride and benefit, and would serve as a permanent reminder of our heritage.

"As a council, we’re delighted to see the support from the many groups and organisations, both in Hertsmere and across the industry, for this venture, and welcome their passion."

Hertsmere Borough Council is expected to work with Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, Elstree Screen Heritage, First Impressions, Elstree and Borehamwood Museum, as well as relevant local experts, historians and others, to develop plans and source funding for the creation of a centre, or potentially several ‘heritage hubs’ across the borough.