Shutters may come down on ‘Abbey Road’ photo studios

David Bailey said Holborn Studios was one his favourite places to work while Helmut Newton called it “the Abbey Road of photography”.

But the complex in Hoxton is under threat from developers who want to build flats, a shopping centre and commercial spaces on the site. Opponents say the scheme will destroy the “creative buzz” of Hoxton and have an impact on the Regent’s Canal Conservation Area.

It is the largest photography complex in Europe and has been used to shoot famous faces such as Kylie Minogue and Kate Moss.

Protesters, including photographer Nicky Johnston, have urged Hackney council to refuse the planning application for the site in Eagle Wharf Road. Managing director Billy McCartney, whose parents set up the company 34 years ago, said it is 23 years into a 25-year lease and owner Gold Property Developments has told it that it intends to redevelop the site.

He added: “There are 25 other creative companies in the complex with us. It would be a real shame if we lost all that.” Johnston called the plan “appalling and absurd”.

A spokesman for Gold Property Developments said the studio owners had originally approached them with redevelopment plans but were no longer involved due to the “failure to agree acceptable terms”. He said the plans aimed

to meet the needs of digital companies around Old Street’s “Silicon Roundabout” area.

Protesters are asking people to register their objections at: friendsofholbornstudios.com/