Hollywood blockbusters are a step closer to coming to Berkshire after a deal was agreed to build what could be the biggest film studios in the UK.

The University of Reading announced earlier this year the studios would be coming to the Thames Valley Science Park at its campus in Shinfield.

Now, it has partnered with Commonwealth Real Estate LP, a Los Angeles based film studios investor.

The two have agreed a long lease of the land at the park, which could see the studios built - if planning permission is given by Wokingham Borough Council.

If those plans are successful, the campus will be known as Shinfield Studios.

The studios would be the biggest in the country and cost around £150 million to build.

It is hoped it will open in 2022 and will bringing major Hollywood film productions to the UK.

It is also thought it will create 1,500 jobs and will support another 1,500 jobs indirectly.

The university says the scheme is a a "significant investment" in the British film and creative industries and is eventually expected to generate around £500 million in investment to the UK.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “We are delighted that this agreement has been reached, which will bring welcome significant Hollywood investment, creativity and job opportunities to Reading, Wokingham and the wider Thames Valley.

"It is a credit to the hard work and determination of everyone involved to have concluded a transaction while negotiating through challenging restrictions on movement and travel.

"This lease presents a superb opportunity for the University and facilitates an exciting development for the wider community, and we look forward to Commonwealth bringing their vision to life.”

Nick Smith, Managing Director of Shinfield Studios, added: “Britain has an enviable array of filmmaking talent, but the industry is short of high-quality studio facilities capable of catering for the new and emerging technologies that will form the core of television and film production in the future.

“This development costing over £200 million will create a new powerhouse of creative production and new talent, as well as generating up to 3,000 new jobs.

“Completing this exciting transaction is a big step forward and we look forward to ongoing consultation and engagement with all local stakeholders as this project advances.”

Adam Fisher, Commonwealth Founder and Chief Investment Officer (CIO), said the deal was of "real benefit" to the community.

“We are very excited about the prospect of investing in the UK creative industries as one of the most vibrant markets in the world. We look forward to building partnerships across Wokingham and Reading to make this project a resounding success. Our ambitions for the new studio will be of real benefit to the local economy and the UK as a whole.”

Cllr John Halsall, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, was also enthusiastic about the plans, saying: “This is very welcome news for people in Wokingham and the wider region.

"Wokingham has a strong record of supporting world-class businesses, including existing links with the film industry. We look forward to providing everyone involved with the opportunity to put their plans and views forward as part of our usual rigorous planning process.”

More information can be found here.