Wey Estates Tannery Studios
Wey Estates has been trading since 1986. One of their tenants is Tannery Studios who have been operating a production studio on site for TV/production companies since 2020. The business has grown steadily over the last three years and now wishes to expand.
Rural England Prosperity Fund project
The business received a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant to convert a redundant industrial space of 2000 square foot, previously used as a factory and mechanic's garage, into an acoustically treated studio.
The new Studio is designed to comply with BBC and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) procurement rules and the additional green retrofit measures will help the Studio gain Albert certification status.
The grant enabled the installation of acoustic roof and curtain, the replacement of the external single glazed window with acoustic double glazing and installation of 40 kW of solar panels on the roof to provide renewable energy for Studio use. A new air source heat pump provides heating. A replacement insulated loading door reduces sound leakage and improves the thermal envelope, and an internal glazed Crittall partition transforms the Studio, providing a stylish but economic recording space for smaller podcasts, productions and events.
Project Impact
The grant has enabled the growth of Tannery Studios and supported its development to compete with London studios.
Opening a second studio created a suitable space for events to be held in, offering fantastic business opportunities to local food and drink suppliers.
Furthermore, local residents and the parish also benefit as they had requested the removal of noisy industry from the site, a reduction in Heavy Good Vehicle (HGV) movements, improved buildings and support of high value jobs.
Wey Estates, in partnership with Tannery Studios, now hope to increase their reach, attracting more production companies to their business.
Project costs, grant awarded
Acoustically treated studio
Total project cost: £69,287.93
Grant awarded: £34,643.97
Are you eligible for a Rural England Prosperity Fund grant for your project?
Inspired? Would your project be eligible for a Rural England Prosperity Fund grant? Could you get up to £50,000 and up to 50% of your capital costs with Rural England Prosperity Fund grant? Find out about the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
