2021 – 2024
In October 2021 Netflix signed a deal to take a lease on the 230,000 sq ft Segro Park speculative development in Enfield. It sits next to the River Lee navigation canal and comprises three large warehouses, which were converted into sound stages and workshops. There were also the usual facilities for props, costume, make-up and production offices. Anna Mallett, Netflix vice president of physical production in the UK is quoted as saying: “We are delighted to announce our new lease at Segro Park Enfield. It builds on our commitment to spend over $1bn on productions across the UK this year, invest in the creative community, and support the next generation of talent.”
I have been informed that following the original work in 2021, there was a power upgrade just over a year later. The rip-out to return it to the original base build was completed in October 2024, so it is no longer a film-making facility.
It seems that the naming of the sound stages was rather curious. Apparently, the three buildings were known as Studios 1, 2, and 3. Studio 1 had one stage, 2 had two stages, and 3 had four stages. ‘Studio 1’ also had the Netflix offices within the building. Sounds very confusing to me.
It seems that only three productions were ever made here. Damsel (starring Ray Winston and Milly Bobby Brown) was filmed in Studios 1 & 2 as the original installation was being completed. Heart of Stone was here at the same time in Studio 3 and a third (currently unknown) production was filmed immediately after the upgrade. I gather nothing was made here after that. Various factors including high business rates and the downturn in commissioning following the US actors and writers strikes appear to have led to the closure.