Bracknell Forest Council has rubber-stamped a £4.2 million investment to modernise Pinewood Studios’ Berkshire facility, with work set to begin in early 2025 and completion targeted for 2026. The project, funded through a combination of council reserves and a £1.8m grant from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, is designed to upgrade soundstages, production suites, and infrastructure to attract major film and TV productions. Council leader Paul Bettison confirmed the revamp will safeguard 500 local jobs and potentially generate an additional £12m annually for the regional economy.
The studio, originally built in 1936 and owned by Pinewood Group since 2023, has been a cornerstone of Britain’s film industry for decades. Recent productions filmed there include Netflix’s *The Gentlemen* and Amazon’s *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*. Bettison stated the upgrades would ensure the facility remains competitive against rival studios in Leavesden and Manchester.
Key Points
- ✅ £4.2m investment approved for Pinewood Studios’ Berkshire site
- ⚡ Work begins Q1 2025, completion by 2026
- 💡 Upgrades include soundstages, production suites, and infrastructure
In a separate but urgent development, drivers on the A329 near Wokingham are being warned about roaming stallions after a surge in collisions involving the animals. Police confirmed 14 equine-related incidents in the past eight months—double the annual average—prompting the council to install new warning signs and speed restrictions. Local farmer Tom Hargreaves, whose property borders the road, reported three stallions escaping in the last week alone.
| Aspect | 2023 Incidents | 2024 Incidents (YTD) |
|---|---|---|
| Equine collisions | 7 | 14 |
| Injuries to animals | 2 | 5 |
| Property damage | 3 | 8 |
Highway officers are now consulting with equine experts to install reinforced fencing along the A329’s most problematic stretches. Residents have also been advised to reduce speeds to 40mph during dawn and dusk, when the stallions are most active. The council’s highways department has earmarked £150,000 for temporary measures, with a long-term solution expected by spring 2025.
📋 By The Numbers
- 14 — Equine-related collisions on the A329 in 2024, up from 7 in 2023
- £150,000 — Allocated for immediate fencing and signage improvements
Local veterinarian Dr. Emily Carter, who treats injured animals from the incidents, warned that the problem is escalating due to habitat encroachment. "The stallions are drawn to the roadside grass, which is lush and free of predators," she said. "But with development pressures increasing, their natural grazing areas are shrinking." The council is urging landowners to secure their fences and report any breaches immediately.
💡 Pro Tip
If you drive the A329 regularly, install a dashcam facing forward—the footage can be critical for insurance claims after animal collisions.
Both developments underscore the challenges facing rural communities balancing economic growth with environmental and public safety concerns. The Pinewood revamp signals confidence in the UK’s film industry, while the A329 stallion crisis highlights the unintended consequences of urban expansion into natural habitats.
- Pinewood Studios’ future — The revamp could position Berkshire as a premier filming location, competing with studios in Leavesden and Manchester.
- A329’s stallion threat — The council’s emergency measures aim to curb collisions, but long-term solutions require habitat protection.
- Community impact — Local jobs and tourism may rise with Pinewood’s upgrades, but rural residents face growing safety risks on the A329.