Winnersh: Pip Studios brings tech facility to the Triangle

Audio post-production facility Pip Studios has chosen to call Winnersh Triangle home in a deal brokered by Reading-based property consultants Vail Williams LLP.

The audio post-production company, which was set up in 2020, has taken a 20-year lease from Frasers Property UK at 640 Wharfdale Road, in the heart of the business park’s science and technology zone.

Pip Studios is creating a high-tech facility within the 13,000 sq ft unit which will enable the firm to deliver post-production audio localisation services for the film, TV, gaming and streaming industries.

The company was co-founded by Ally Curran, Mark Sheffield, together with Nigel Bennett, all of whom have extensive experience in the post-production sector, working on over 200 films between them.

Ally Curran, formerly of Deluxe and Universal Pictures, said: “We are excited to be making the move to Winnersh Triangle where we have the unique opportunity to create a bespoke high-tech space for our growing business. Frasers Property have been incredibly accommodating of our technical requirements throughout and will provide the grow-on space we need to develop our business.”

Pip Studios, together with industry specialists Level Acoustic Design, have designed six Dolby Atmos stages which are currently being built by Westwood Joinery.

“When you work in this industry there are very specific technical guidelines for studios to adhere to. Winnersh Triangle gave us the ideal opportunity to create something outstanding. Being able to offer our clients a facility that is located within a quiet location, on an attractive business park makes all the difference. First impressions last and our new facility makes a bold statement,” added Mark Sheffield, a former dubbing mixer at Pinewood Group and director of audio operations at Deluxe.

Patrick Pringle of Vail Williams, the surveyor who acted on behalf of Frasers Property to complete the deal, commented: “The standard of accommodation on offer at Winnersh Triangle has attracted many businesses operating in the film industry who are making the exodus out from London to the Thames Valley, where they can benefit not just from the international transport hub at Heathrow, but also the vibrant business community that has been created there.”

Winnersh Triangle continues to develop as Frasers Property invests in further landscaping, amenity provision and new buildings, including a sports hub with fitness studio and multi-purpose outdoor court. For Pip Studios, it was this setting in amongst 60 acres of landscaped grounds, which really set Winnersh Triangle apart.

“Many of our clients travel internationally to visit us and with Heathrow just a stone’s throw away and access to 4-star hotels with spas and gyms onsite, Winnersh Triangle will enable us to offer our clientele the right experience of our business, whilst remaining within striking distance of London,” added Nigel Bennett.

Bennett, who will act as chairman alongside his current duties as managing director at London-based Molinare, concluded: “There is a clear increase in demand in the UK for localised content across various platforms, as the industry diversifies into new consumer trends. It is an exciting time to get into the localisation business – one which as a team, we know incredibly well, and we look forward to what the next few months will bring for the business here at Winnersh Triangle.”

Charlie Nicholson, partner at Vail Williams, concluded: “We are delighted Pip Studios has chosen to locate to Winnersh Triangle. It is an encouraging sign for the UK property market to see businesses like this continue to look towards the future during this difficult period.”