A new museum is set to open in Borehamwood in late 2026 celebrating the historic TV and film studios, with the local council offering £2 million towards the cost of the proposed Elstree Immersive Experience (EIM) and Borehamwood & Elstree Film and TV Heritage Centre. Despite the long-winded name, EIM will celebrate over 100 years of film and TV in the area including Hitchcock, Star Wars and EastEnders.
According to the organiser… “The Elstree Immersive Experience (EIE) will be a ground-breaking, multi-sensory and interactive visitor attraction, designed to celebrate Elstree’s world-famous film and TV heritage. Its core purpose is to celebrate Elstree’s century-long cinematic legacy through the integration of cutting-edge immersive technologies. The Elstree Immersive Experience (EIE) is needed to celebrate, protect and showcase Elstree’s world-famous film and TV heritage, while driving skills, education and economic growth for the region.”
It would be situated in a former Sky TV studios building near its new studios complex, and is provisionally expected to open in late 2026. That would be in time for the centenary of the UK’s first sound film, Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail, shot here in 1929.
The location would also put it about a 20-minute walk (or short bus ride) through Borehamwood town centre from Elstree and Borehamwood railway station – about 20 minutes from central London on Thameslink trains.
Now, Hertsmere Council has agreed to provide £2 million towards the project by tapping its Community Infrastructure Levy, so the cost is borne by local property developers, not taxpayers. At the council meeting on 26th November, all councillors present voted in favour, except Cllr Hodgson-Jones and Cllr David Lambert, who abstained.
It would create 60 to 150 jobs locally and unlock an additional £1 million in funding from the University of Hertfordshire and other suppliers.
So, subject to approvals, you can expect Eastenders, Star Wars, The Muppets, Big Brother, Indiana Jones, A Space Odyssey, and Holby City amongst many others, all sharing one venue.
They currently expect a soft opening in September 2026 and a full public opening in December 2026.
More on this when we get it.
