Britain’s new mini-Hollywood is set to open on our doorstep – we don’t want it… even if it brings Ryan Reynolds
A NEW mini-Hollywood with "stacked studios" is set to open in a major UK city - but residents say they don't want it even if it brings Ryan Reynolds to the area.
The A-list could soon be swapping LA for Kentish Town in north London after the local council announced plans for a £100million "film quarter".
Developer Yoo Capital will build "stacked studios" on the site of the council's rubbish tip.
But residents slammed the plans as a waste of money which won't benefit local people - although some have their eyes peeled for one famous face.
Gemma Hindmarsh, 39, said: "How's it going to benefit the community?
"There are so many things wrong with the area - where to begin?
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"We have this cost of living crisis for ordinary people, shops shutting, rent increases.
"A film studio is about the least useful thing they could spend £100million on.
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"I think it'll also speed up the area's loss of individuality.
"It's not going to do a single thing for Kentish Town - no one's going to flock here."
She added: "Look around, this isn't Hollywood - it's Kentish Town.
"But it's the right place if all the film stars fancy a trip to Poundland.
"I'm not sure I could handle the A-list here - I was starstruck when I was served at a pub by the guy from Doctors.
"But it'd be good if the handsome one from Imagine Dragons comes."
Other residents shared Gemma's scepticism - but hope the studios will bring one huge celebrity to Kentish Town.
A film studio is about the least useful thing they could spend £100million on
Gemma Hindmarsh
Grace, 47, said: "Oh God, it's bad enough here already.
"Kentish Town is filling up with all these trendy hipster types and boutiques.
"If the film studio does anything at all it'll just push prices up and local people out.
"My estate's falling apart, it's falling into disrepair.
"The money's going into the council pot and we won't get a lick of paint.
"But look, it'll be worth it if Ryan Reynolds comes along."
Bunmi Bunkole, 60, said: "It's inconvenient, it's already pretty packed in here.
"If there's space to build something new it should be for housing, not this mini Hollywood they're talking about.
"Most of our banks and green spaces have gone.
"But it's a good area, we don't have so much trouble - and now we're going to be famous.
"I think if Russell Crowe comes along he'll like it."
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Jacob Kosky, 28, said: "The £100million the council's talking about isn't going anywhere useful.
"Only a fraction of it is going towards anything that benefits local people.
"It's not going to bring anyone to the area - it's a business, not an attraction.
"If I see any famous people I'll give them a wide berth, I'm not bothered - it's congested enough around here as it is.
"But we'll see, it could be good for the area."
Anne-Marie Alleyne, 55, said: "I have heard about it - I'm not sure what all the celebrities will think of Kentish Town when they come.
"I'd rather they used the space for housing.
"It's probably a good place to film stuff and I guess all the councillors will have their moment on the red carpet.
"The gentrification - I can't say it - is getting bad around here, there's so many charity shops.
"But even this won't make Kentish Town posh, they've just put it down the sidestreets by the recycling depot."
It'll be worth it if Ryan Reynolds comes along
Grace
Councillor Danny Beales said: "We know there is huge creative potential in the people who live and work in Camden.
"We want to unlock the Kentish Town industrial area to transform this cut-off, unwelcoming site, into one that becomes a greener, welcoming space, connecting Gospel Oak with Kentish Town.
"A new thriving neighbourhood, which is a beacon for creativity, providing more desperately needed affordable homes for local people, good jobs and opportunities for existing communities."
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"This is going to be a development shaped with local communities and Camden and Yoo Capital are looking forward to working with residents on realising the shared community vision and getting residents’ thoughts at every stage.
"We see this development as a way to help combat many of the issues residents are facing in Camden."
