Borehamwood is also known as the ‘British Hollywood’ because it is home to the Elstree film studios, but it is also a thriving town in its own right. Here Thames Contracts, who provide high-end office design in Borehamwood and the surrounding area, look at the town’s past, present and future.
Its History
Borehamwood was first mentioned back in the 12th century. Historically, it has always been part of the neighbouring village of Elstree, just as it is today; the civil parish is officially known as Elstree and Borehamwood.
The town’s population greatly increased after the 2nd World War when many Londoners were relocated here after extensive bomb damage in the capital. Today, the population currently stands at around 36,000.
However, of greater significance to the town are the film studios. From the 1920s onwards, it has been the home of the British film and TV industry, with major films shot at the studios including The Dam Busters, Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, as well as TV series including The Muppet Show, EastEnders and Holby City.
Its Transport Links
Although it’s only 12 miles from Charing Cross, Borehamwood is actually located in South Hertfordshire. Property-wise it’s a lot cheaper than living in central London, which makes it an attractive proposition for commuters and businesses who don’t need a city-centre base.
When it comes to transport links the town is served well by road, rail and bus. The Elstree and Borehamwood railway station is in Transport for London’s Zone 6. Several bus companies, including Metroline and London Sovereign, operate services in and out of the town. The A1 also passes to the east of Borehamwood, and the M25 is only about two miles to the north.
The Commercial Picture
The town’s economy is built around the film studios and the services it requires. This means that there are plenty of hotels to cope with the influx of tourists who want to visit them, as well as actors and extras who need somewhere to stay while their show or movie is being filmed.
There are two major studios currently operating in the town – Elstree Studios on Shenley Road, and BBC Elstree Centre on Eldon Avenue. A third is being built for satellite broadcaster Sky. In the past, there were several other studios, but these have been demolished.
It’s not all about film and TV, though; the UK HQ of Pizza Hut is located in the town, and takeaway delivery company Just Eat also has a major presence there. Phone network T-Mobile were also based in Borehamwood until 2003.
The town centre is home to the Borehamwood Shopping Park (in Shenley Road) where most of the big brand names can be found. There are also big development plans in the pipeline for more homes (adjacent to the new Sky studios) and some of the older film studio sites are being converted into offices.
Office Design in Borehamwood from Thames Contracts
Whether you are interested in high-end restaurant, bar, shop or office design in Borehamwood, Thames Contracts will be able to help. We can either fit out a new space or refurbish an existing one.
With our office design service, we start with an initial meeting, which will enable us to produce a design brief with 3D images, if required. We sort out the budget for the work at the earliest possible opportunity, as we appreciate how important this is for your business. We then put together a timescale for the work, which will be carried out by tried and trusted tradespeople. At Thames Contracts we have an excellent reputation for completing projects on time and on budget.
If you are considering an office refit or refurbishment in North London or Hertfordshire, follow this link and fill in the online contact form, or call us directly on 020 8368 0045.
