Fate of Hoxton’s iconic Holborn Studios is in the air

Planning officers at Hackney Council have recommended the demolition of the iconic Hoxton photographic studio - where the likes of music moguls Madonna, David Bowie and even the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, were captured on film.

Montagu Evans has submitted a planning application on behalf of Galliard Homes to partly demolish the commercial space in Eagle Wharf Road which borders the Regent’s Canal, to build 50 flats with no affordable housing.

The council’s planning sub-committee will decide the fate of the building tonight.

It is estimated around 350 workers could lose their jobs at the photographic studio complex if they get the green light.

While the Victorian chimney, which was added to Hackney Council’s local heritage list in 2014, would be retained, Holborn studios will be partially demolished to make way for a mix of commercial space and residential flats in blocks between two and seven storeys.

Vince McCartney, who set up Holborn Studios in 1989, said: “Galliard have offered us basement accommodation where we could not shoot stills or movies, so we will lose 350 jobs – mainly young people.”

Montagu Evans was approached for comment.