London, June 8 (ANI): The iconic Twickenham film studios, where the Beatles filmed three of their movies, has been saved from closure following a celebrity-backed campaign.
Veterans from the film industry such as Colin Firth, Steven Spielberg and Sir Paul McCartney signed a petition to save the studios, which had gone into administration.
The plans to demolish the 99-year-old building and redevelop the site to make way for housing were on the cards already. This prompted a fierce campaign from local residents and those involved in the film industry.
But Gerald Krasner, from joint administrators Begbies Traynor, claimed that a mystery buyer exchanged contracts with them on Friday and they have received a 10 percent deposit, Sky News reported.
He revealed that the building would continue as studio facilities with all staff jobs secured.
"It is envisaged that completion will take place later this year," a statement released by Begbies Traynor read.
"At this stage, the purchaser wishes to remain anonymous and further details will be released after completion," it said.
Staff at the studios claimed that they were "delighted" at the news but Maria Walker, who started the petition to save the studios, is wary.
"I am cautiously optimistic because we don't know who the buyer is. If it is genuine then it is great news but we do have our concerns," walker said.
Developers Taylor Wimpey had bid for the site with plans to come up with a housing complex, but pulled out of the sale on April 20 after opposition from local residents.
Twickenham Studios has a rich history spanning 99 years.
More than 5,000 people signed the petition, including Stephen Daldrey and David Cronenberg with actress Julie Walters writing to local MP Vince Cable seeking his support.
After Taylor Wimpey shelved their plans, another buyer pulled out of the deal on May 19, despite putting down a non-refundable 100,000 pounds deposit.
Krasner insisted that the breakdown of the sale was down to "personal reasons" rather than financial concerns.
Over the studios' 99-year history, they have been used by the Beatles to film A Hard Day's Night and Help, while Michael Caine's Alfie and The Italian Job were also shot there.
In the 1980s, classic movies such as Blade Runner, A Fish Called Wanda and An American Werewolf in London were also filmed at Twickenham.
More recently, scenes from Spielberg's 'War Horse' were shot there as well as 'My Week With Marilyn', while 'The Iron Lady', which featured Meryl Streep, used its post-production facilities. (ANI)
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