Ashford International Film Studios at Newtown Works in Ashford
Architect’s mockup of the Ashford International Film Studio
Ashford International Film Studios is no doubt one of the most significant regeneration projects of the last few decades, converting 12.6 acres of brownfield site into a world-class film studio and mixed-use facility. Although, subject to a shaky start, with funding granted in 2020 and a (seemingly) only fleeting buy-in from Netflix, work finally began on the site in 2025 - two years after its planned completion date.
Now, thanks to a partnership between The Creative District Co and Quinn Estates, the studio will form part of a sizeable development that will also include:
Brand new 200,000 sq.ft world class film studio complex
90,000 sq.ft of business space in the Grade II Listed former engine sheds
Media village designed for SME’s and supporting industries with higher education partnerships established to deliver opportunities in this growth sector for Kent’s ambitious students
120-bedroom hotel with conference and event space
62 serviced apartments
Multi-storey car park
On site restaurants and retail space with a landscaped promenade running the full length of the estate
302 one-and two-bedroom apartments over five floors of the Grade II Listed former locomotive sheds
The inventory really does look huge, with a 7,000 square foot Media Village designed for SME's and fledgling freelancers; 80,000 square feet of world class film studios 1:1 ratio of supporting ancillary space, including modern production offices, warehouse, storage and mills stores; and 90,000 square feet of converted accommodation within former engine sheds consisting of B1 workspace, retail, gym and D1 accommodation.
Scanned photo of the old Ashford Railway Maintenance facility (courtesy of The Creative District Co.)
Performing Arts in Kent
Ashford International Film Studios will be well served by its location in the centre of Ashford, and within a space previously home to railway works serving the London and Dover railway. Ashford’s high speed railway gets to London St. Pancras within 45 minutes, and ensures Ashford is only 22 minutes away from the Canterbury and its three Universities. The Film Studios will be well connected to industry professionals in the capital therefore, as well as plenty of students and graduate drama students keen to get involved. Although Canterbury is surrounded by a number of theatre groups in which acting and drama students can gain experience, AIS will provide opportunities unparalleled in the South East - without the expense of living in London.
Ashford is also home to the Jasmine Vardimon Dance Company, a highly significant dance theatre company. I was very proud that one of my first photoshoots was actually for an amateur JV2 production, and the banner image for the production was in the window of their pop-up space in the Ashford Outlet (see here: it’s the one with the girls jumping up, holding their knees!).
Photography Services for Ashford International Film Studios
Located in Ashford itself, at Chris Henry Photography I am in an excellent position to be able to offer my photographic services to cast, crew and production staff at AIS. With a home studio just outside the town centre, a portable studio kit ready to go where needed, and two decades of experience working in performance arts, I can fulfil whatever size brief is needed. Whether it be headshots and portfolio building, production photography, or events and showcases need photographing, I’m looking forward to becoming deeply involved in the film studios and the productions made there.
If you are looking for a reliable photographer familiar with all aspects of performance arts, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat about your needs - I’d love to hear from you.