Boris Johnson backs plans for new film centre and pledges £5m
London, 16 October 2009

London Mayor, Boris Johnson today announced £5m funding for the proposed new BFI National Film Centre in the capital. The London Development Agency (LDA) has already invested £900,000 in this project by supporting the BFI's business case and feasibility study for their new film centre. The LDA will be investing a further £5million over the next four years to match the investment made by the Department of Culture Media and Sport.

The Mayor o welcomed the Government's pledge of support to the project. London is one of the top three filmmaking cities in the world, with 75% of the UK's filmmaking activity based here. The city's production industries contribute an estimated £13.6bn annually to the capital’s economy.

The Mayor said: ‘The BFI is a one of the jewels in the crown for cinema, for the country, and across the whole world. It offers an unparalleled variety of films, old and new, and its archive, library and burgeoning digital activities are second to none. It is vitally important to continue funding the arts industry during this challenging economic climate. We will be providing £5 million towards the development of this long-needed centre, which will not only serve current film buffs, but will ensure the BFI is equipped to remain at the vanguard of film, past, present and into the future.'

Peter Bishop, Group Director for Design, Development and Environment at the London Development Agency said: 'The London Development Agency welcomes the news that this project will be going forward. We have been a strong supporter of the BFI's vision for a new film centre, which is at the heart of our plans for the rejuvenation of the Southbank. This investment reinforces our commitment to the creative industries and London's public realm, with a further £5 million worth of investment.'