A Norwich-based TV production company has pledged to breathe new life into Norwich’s EPIC studios after striking a deal to buy it from Norfolk County Council. More than £4m of public cash been ploughed into the project since it was set up in 2007 after County Hall and the East of England Development Agency stepped in to set up a creative industries “hub” when ITV closed its Anglia TV studio in Magdalen Street. But despite incubating 20 business and creating more than 70 jobs as well as helping a further 35 people secure work, EPIC struggled to stand on its own two feet, and with the council cutting back on its spending a deal has been struck to sell it to Norwich-based Extreme Video, which is owned by businessman Jonathan Thursby. Neither side were willing to disclose the sale figure citing commercial confidentiality, but the EDP understands that the deal was worth around £150,000, while the contract also contains clauses barring an immediate sell-off of assets by protecting existing tenants and equipment for at least five years. Mr Thursby, whose clients include BBC’s Top Gear programme, the World Rally Championships, the BTCC British Touring Car Championships, and Sport Relief, said plans included not only pitching for more UK TV production work, but also looking at streaming programmes including music and comedy online across the world. He also said that while not involved in any bid, the studios could be a natural home for the government’s proposed local TV station for Norwich, and he was keen to maximise local training opportunities and form ties with academic colleges.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/norwich_based_tv_company_steps_in_to_buy_epic_studios_from_norfolk_county_council_1_1195572 |
