Netflix movie studios to undergo major upgrade

The film studios where movies including Guardians of the Galaxy, Skyfall, and Doctor Strange were shot is set to undergo a major upgrade.

Longcross Studios in Chobham Lane, near Chertsey in Surrey, has been granted planning permission to build new sound stages and flexible backlot facilities across its 26-hectare (64-acre) site.

The studios, which is owned by Netflix, straddles both Runnymede and Surrey Heath Borough Councils and has now secured approval from both authorities.

Officers told Runnymede Borough Council's (RBC) planning committee: "The development will provide a range of economic benefits both locally and through the support of the UK film and TV industry."

The application will allow the company to increase production in the borough and Netflix has also pledged to make a contribution towards improved accessibility at Longcross Railway Station.

Runnymede Independent Residents councillor Elaine Gill said: "It's a positive step forward for Runnymede... and it's good for the area."

RBC's planning committee chair Sylvia Whyte added: "I think it's really good that we've got this level of employment for Runnymede for some time, so I find this quite useful."

The same application was submitted to Surrey Heath Borough Council and the two authorities worked together to ensure consistency, the meeting heard.

Longcross was originally used as a tank-testing facility by army researchers before becoming a film studio in 2006, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In 2021, it was bought out by the Netflix but the streaming giant felt many of the older buildings had become outdated.

In June 2025, RBC unanimously approved a planning application to make the studio permanent.

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