We, The Vinyl Factory, invite you to provide feedback on our proposals for the Gillette Building site, which comprise of state-of-the-art virtual production, film studios and technology hub, with associated facilities specifically aims at digital content creation and production.
This site has been identified as being strategically important to boost employment opportunities and economic performance in Hounslow and the surrounding area.
Background
The site is within the Great West Road Industrial Business Park, designated by Hounslow Council as a Strategic Industrial Location. The site includes the former main Gillette factory building, ancillary buildings, and structures, as well as a car park. The total site space is approximately 4.4 hectares.
The historical use of the site was the Gillette European Headquarters, including the factory where its razor blades were manufactured. The former Gillette factory and NatWest building are Grade II listed, with the primary importance being the distinct external character and appearance of the principal building.
The site has been most recently used as film studios, but the site is not fulfilling its potential.
The site is currently underutilised as a film production site with existing buildings either vacant or partially occupied but with potential for refurbishment and redevelopment, to provide state-of-the-art filming facilities.
The Vinyl Factory – who we are
The Vinyl Factory has a strong track record of revitalising and repurposing historic and listed buildings through investing in creative industry led businesses and established and emerging talent. Its principal operation is at 180 Studios in 180 Strand, WC2 – an iconic brutalist building transformed into a cultural centre that is now the heart of London’s creative community. At its core is a collection of studios equipped with leading LED and digital technology for productions, events, conferences and exhibitions. 180 Studios is now a national and global platform for the creative industries that includes offering emerging artists and film makers direct opportunities to develop their careers.
The Vinyl Factory is a local business established in 2001. The company’s activities have expanded into other areas of the creative industries with operations in Soho and the Strand in central London and Berlin. The music, digital and art elements including vinyl record manufacturing were built around the purchase of the EMI record plant in Hayes, Middlesex in 2001 – the beating heart of the UK music industry from 1910.
The Vinyl Factory has run ‘Gillette Studios’ since 2013 with 10 major productions, including Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Fox) – 2015, Allied (Paramount Pictures) – 2016, Bohemian Rhapsody (Fox) – 2018, Infinite (Paramount Pictures) – 2020 and All the Old Knives (Amazon) – 2021.