Council bosses are set to sign off on a £50 million loan to develop major film studios linked with Netflix, Amazon and HBO ahead of a planned redesign.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is set to provide the hefty sum to Ashford International Development Company (AIDC) to aid with the construction of the ambitious scheme in Newtown.

The Newtown Works project is set to transform the derelict railway facility near Ashford Designer Outlet into 7,440 sq m of filming and production space.

Four film studios will be included in the plan, as well as an 18-storey hotel, more than 300 flats, commercial units, a rooftop restaurant and a 383-space multi-storey car park.

Bosses began preliminary works in March last year after gaining planning permission in 2020, with the studios expected to open in 2025.

AIDC, which was set up as a subsidiary company of ABC in January 2022, owns 65% of the project following a multi-million-pound purchase from developer Quinn Estates last year. Quinn retains the remaining 35% stake.

A report to the council's cabinet recommends that it loan AIDC £50 million for the works. The company would be charged interest "below commercial rates", but these payments to ABC are still set to total "in the region of £400,000".

Once the work is completed, the loan will either be repaid in a lump sum (via a sale) or through a lease to an operator in the studios on a long-term basis.

The reports says AIDC has "engaged with a leading global studio operator" after searching for interest from the film and TV industry. Bosses declined to reveal the identity of the operator when asked by KentOnline this week.

Additionally, the council is also set to stump up £30,000 for a redesign of the studio facility and subsequent planning amendments.

An excerpt from the report says: "The discussions with the market indicate that a smaller and modified studio facility than originally agreed is preferable.

"This would result in relocating the workshop closer to the studio space, and [we] have suggested an amended scheme for the council to consider."

The report also reveals the company has received an offer for 202 of the 302 flats due to be built as part of the scheme.

The proposal has been named as one of Ashford Borough Council's 'Super Six' projects to revitalise the town.

Other ambitious, long-term developments include the second phase of Ashford College's expansion, the South of Ashford Garden Community, and the town centre reset.

In October, it was announced the Newtown Works project will receive a £14.7 million boost from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

ABC submitted a bid for cash last June and was supported by the town’s MP Damian Green.

"This is another exciting step forward..."

An AIDC spokesperson said: "The reason some of the initial design details have changed since the initial planning approval was given in 2020, is that this is to meet the specific specifications of the future operators’ needs.

"Previously this was based on general film studio design requirements, now one is on board, the designs will reflect their specific needs.

"In terms of the other parties involved in the development, this is commercially sensitive and at this point we are unable to comment and further, but as soon as we are in a position to release further information, AIDC and ABC will make further announcements.

"Subject to Cabinet approval, this is another exciting step forward for the Ashford International Studios development, and we will provide more details soon."

Who could the Newtown studio's new "global" operator be?

Netflix – the streaming giant has shot a wide range of films and TV shows in the county over the years, including five seasons of The Crown, Enola Holmes 2, and Sex Education.

Amazon – likewise, the garden of England has also been visited a number of times by Amazon, most recently at Dover Castle for 'My Lady Jane', due to release later this year.

Disney Plus – could we see a few Marvel actors in Kent once again? Disney's massive streaming service has graced the county on a few occasions, most notably filming scenes for season one of Loki.

HBO Max – this is perhaps less likely given the streaming service is not yet available in the UK, but we can rule nothing out!

Other potential occupants include (among many), Apple TV, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

When pressed by KentOnline, ABC declined to comment on the identity of the operator, saying more information would be provided in due course.