An industrial site in Enfield has been chosen to host huge new film studios – claimed to be the largest in London by the company behind the project.

The 139,000 sq ft OMA Film Studios are designed to allow more productions to be filmed in the UK in response to growing demand from international companies.

Due to open in the summer in line with Government safety advice, it is hoped they will boost the economy following the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Global filming activity has risen steadily in the UK over the past decade. Figures from the British Film Industry show total spending on UK film and high-end TV production reached £3.62 billion in 2019 – a 16 per cent increase on the previous year.

Responding to the growing demand for studio space, film locations agency Location Collective secured a lease on the industrial unit in Enfield with backing from the council.

Location Collective managing director Antony Iredale said: “Continuing to invest in projects like this is critical, not just to ensure the film industry can bounce back quickly, but to help restore the health of the UK economy as a whole.

“We are extremely excited about working closely with Enfield Council to make a huge success of OMA Film Studios and to place Enfield firmly on the map as a hub for big-budget filming activity.”

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan (Labour, Jubilee) commented: “We are working hard to attract a vibrant and diverse mix of businesses to Enfield to broaden our economy and provide a wider range of job and training opportunities for our residents. This latest announcement of a film studio is a good example of the ambitious vision we have for Enfield.”

Deputy leader Cllr Ian Barnes (Labour, Winchmore Hill) added: “We have worked with the Location Collective to make sure their proposal was right for the borough. Our ambition is for Enfield to become the premier location for TV and film production in London.

“The creative industries are worth more than £40 billion to London’s economy and the financial benefits to our borough when stars like Benedict Cumberbatch film here, along with the potential for apprenticeship schemes for local people, are exciting and will put Enfield firmly on the map.”