BAE Systems has confirmed it has accepted an offer for its site at Woodford, which could see the site turned into a film studio
The 500-acre plot is set to shut in March next year after the government axed its Nimrod programme.
BAE, Stockport Council and Cheshire East Council have held a series on public exhibitions to seek locals’ views about what should be done with the site.
Now, BAE, which earlier this month announced 3,000 job cuts, has confirmed it is in talks to sell Woodford.
The MEN understands the bidder, whose identity is not being revealed at this stage, has ambitions to convert the site into a film studio.
Screen agency Vision + Media has identified the site as a potential film set and the organisation this week published a newsletter, which said: "The site offers huge production build facilities, office accommodation, vast expanse of hard standing and green space for technical parking plus many individual annex buildings for storage, construction and prop houses. Full phase power & water facilities are present throughout the site."
The MEN understands Vision + Media is not the organisation in talks to buy Woodford but would seek to work with the new owners to attract film projects to the region.
In a statement BAE said: "BAE Systems can confirm that we have accepted an offer for the BAE Systems site at Woodford in Cheshire. We are in negotiation for the purchase of the site and the sale will be confirmed, subject to contract. Further information will be made available upon conclusion of the sale."
For more details on the deal, see tomorrow’s MEN.
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It is also rumoured that JCB are to buy the site as a base for executive jets, aircraft maintenance, storage and aircraft parting out. It will, if this is correct, remain an operational airfield.
Seems an ideal situation to me! if Woodford is no longer going to be in use, then it would be good to have film studios in the North West.
Brilliant idea! would be perfect for use as a film studio, no point letting another disused building fall to rack and ruin!
Brilliant idea!
Hang on a minute. Somebody has tabled a really good, exciting idea. And the council have agreed to it...Somebody wake me up, i must be dreaming ;)
There will be plenty of extras available for work. The BAE redundant workforce!
Pinwewood Studios aka Pell Holdings!
Perhaps given the BBCs move to media city we can now expect Top Gear to be filmed at Woodford?
It will be ideal for top gear.
How would this effect filming at Media City?
Excellent idea, private landing strip and heli pad for the actors, jobs boost for the area, lots of private money boosting the local businesses, good news for a change.