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

The call for the creation of a local group to generate plans and ‘ultimately the delivery of a film and television centre in Borehamwood’ was brought forward by Hertsmere Borough Councillors Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Labour group, and Caroline Clapper, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Health, at a full council meeting last week.

The motion, which resolved to work with key partners including 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, was backed by all borough councillors present at the meeting.

It comes as the expansion of Elstree Studios was confirmed this week following a successful bid for funding from the government’s Getting Building Fund..

Cllr Newmark, who proposed 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 development of Sky Studios Elstree and 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.”