East London media village plans, backed by Secret Millionaire

One of the stars of the Channel 4 television show Secret Millionaire is reported to be backing a multi-million pound regeneration scheme in Queens Yard, Hackney. David Pearl’s Structadene company bought 88,000 square feet of land and commercial buildings in the area and are now planning to create media village opposite the 2012 Olympic Park.

The scheme is looking to create office buildings and other business facilities specifically aimed at the creative and broadcasting industry. White Post Lane, a management company have been hired to promote and attract media and creative businesses to the development.

The site is already home to artists collective Mother Studios and White Post Lane’s training company The Bridge. They are reported to have already signed up tenancies with Alias Smith and Singh, a hire company and and anonymous post-production company.

David Pearl hopes that the cheap office space in a vibrant setting will attract creative and media industry companies, and create a engaging area to work on the site, which in turn will attract more business to the area.

He says “The yard will have a creative vibe with artists, production companies, post facilities and more, all working together and feeding off each other.”

Another attraction to the site is its proximity to the area for the Olympic Games in 2012, the location of the offices would make an ideal base for any media companies covering the action.

The existing garage, print works and factory buildings will receive a full renovation at Queens Yard, with mezzanines added to some levels of buildings to increase available space. Other plans include a 10,000 square foot productions studio, restaurants and bars. Incentives are reported to include an initial period rent-free.

Overall Queens yard is set to really become a creative hub the media and artistic industries, the regeneration of the site will really go much further than just buildings. The work will help bring a whole new feeling to a previously demoralised area.