Borehamwood and Elstree could get its own Film & TV Heritage Centre if Labour councillors get their way.

With the recent wave of expansion within the TV and film industry around the Borough, including a new sound stage at Elstree Film Studios; developments at the BBC Elstree Centre and the proposed new SKY/COMCAST development in Borehamwood, Labour Group Leader, Cllr Newmark, plans to put forward the proposal at next week’s full Council meeting.

Excellent work has been undertaken by First Impressions in promoting the film heritage in open spaces, and new talent is being nurtured at Elstree UTC. But Labour councillors believe that establishing a Borehamwood & Elstree Film & TV Heritage Centre is long overdue and would bring multiple benefits to the Borough. Hertfordshire Year of Culture 2020 is showcasing Hertfordshire as a county of creative and cultural opportunity and it will provide an excellent springboard for a Film and TV Heritage Centre initiative.

Said Cllr Jeremy Newmark: “I’m making this proposal because it’s time for the Council to take a lead and ensure the Borough celebrates its film and TV heritage in a tangible way as well as leveraging the wider opportunities created by recent developments. I hope this positive initiative is supported by councillors from all sides of the chamber.”

The project could be partly financed using funds raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy that is charged on all new developments in the Borough and Cllr Newmark hopes that the Council will agree to set up a cross-party working group which will also involve other key partners, such as local studios, the Town Council, Elstree Screen Heritage, First Impressions, Elstree & Borehamwood museum and local experts.