Wilmott Dixon Interiors refurbish former factory into 'revolutionary' London film school

Willmott Dixon Interiors has followed up its recent success at the National Gallery by being chosen for a contract to refurbish 80,000 sq ft space at 62-66 Highbury Grove in Islington to create the London Screen Academy (LSA).

The school will be based at Ladbroke House, a former factory to be transformed to create an environment for 16-19 year olds to learn about film production techniques, like behind-the-camera roles, costume design, production management, distribution and marketing.

Procured through the Southern Construction Framework, Willmott Dixon Interiors is working closely with the design team to deliver the project ready for the first intake of 300 students in September 2019, with the LSA expanding eventually to a capacity of 800-1,000 pupils.

The refurbishment will give the building a major internal reconfiguration as well as adding a new steel frame structure which will provide a three-storey film production studio and supporting facilities.

Willmott Dixon Interiors’ managing director, Graham Shaw, said: “This is another example of the scope and complexity of work we deliver.

“The LSA will become a key driver to cement London’s position as a world-class destination for the film industry, and our team of specialists will ensure we create an environment to guarantee the UK continues to produce award-winning film makers of the future.”

The scope of works also includes new windows and façade repairs to the existing building.

This latest contract follows Willmott Dixon Interiors’ appointment by the National Gallery to refurbish Room 32, the largest within the National Gallery, as well as update parts of the existing basement and ground floor areas.