Morley College London launches new state-of-the-art TV Studio and 3D Makerspace at Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries  

Morley College London has launched a new state-of-the-art TV studio and 3D Makerspace at its Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries. The TV Studio and 3D Makerspace were officially opened yesterday by broadcaster Martin Stanford and Kevin Donaldson, Senior Director at Sky News, at a launch event attended by Morley’s industry partners, who included KI Europe, MillerKnoll and Ercol.

The new facilities will enable further and higher education students at Morley to gain theoretical and hands-on training on the very latest professional equipment.  Students will learn skills which employers require for entry level roles in the media, production and design industries.      

James Ward, Centre Principal said – “Our new Makerspace and TV Studio underscore our dedication to equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills, strengthening employer connections, and fostering a vibrant local creative centre. These innovative spaces promise years of inspiring learning and collaboration with our industry partners.  We are grateful to the Department for Education for their investment in these spaces which will train the next generation of creatives in London.” 

Kevin Donaldson, Senior Director and Technical Specialist at Sky News, commented on the launch of the new Television Studio: “Providing students with access to a fully equipped television studio will not only enhance their educational experience but will also ensure they are well-prepared for careers in an evolving and highly competitive TV industry.” 

Martin Stanford, broadcaster said “To have this kind of facility available to me post-GCSEs—if I had my time again, I’d be absolutely jumping at it because it’s astonishing…. in terms of creative possibilities in this space—it’s incredible.”   “This is where I spent far too many years of my life in green screen studios explaining election results and Budget Day outcomes with floating charts, augmented reality, and everything else. And all this is now a possibility for the young people who will be coming through.” 

“I can’t speak highly enough about the point of collaboration with Kevin [Kevin Donaldson, Senior Director, Sky News and Morley College London]. Congratulations to all who set it up.” 

A fully equipped TV studio  

The brand-new multi-camera TV studio will enhance student’s practical media skills. The fully equipped studio supports the recording of live and ‘as-live’ productions, including interviews, discussion programmes, quiz shows, and news segments.   

The new studio facilities allow Morley to offer the T-level Media Broadcast & Production programme alongside the existing UAL Creative Media Production and Technology: TV & Film. 

• The studio features Blackmagic cameras and vision mixer giving learners experience with equipment they’ll encounter in the TV industry. With a green screen setup, students can also explore visual effects and virtual production techniques.  

• The vision mixer and camera setup are designed to enable students to shoot outside broadcasts away from the studio base — ideal for covering events such as award ceremonies and conferences. 

• Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and have the opportunity to take on key production roles such as floor manager, vision mixer, camera operator and director — helping them build the confidence, creativity, and technical expertise needed for a career in the media industry. 

As well as practical production skills, learners develop core transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and the ability to respond to creative briefs. They work with external clients to produce projects such as the Vitality Westminster Mile. 

A new state-of-the-art 3D Makerspace   

The new 3D Makerspace has been designed in collaboration with industry partners to with the latest technologies in furniture making, upholstery, and 3D design.   It is housed in Chelsea’s historic Carlyle Building, a fine example of Victorian public space architecture.    

• The Makerspace will be integral to the T levels in both Furniture making and Upholstery, Creative Practice 3d Design, new Creative Practice Degree Courses, and short courses in Furniture making and Upholstery  

• The Makerspace integrates traditional hand tools alongside advanced technologies, enabling students to develop traditional and advanced technology making skills to prepare learners for a wide range of creative industries including designing architectural models and advanced 3D printing. The 3D makerspace includes digital fabrication, traditional craft tools, power tools, machine tools and picture framing equipment 

• Students will have the opportunity to learn a broad range of skills—from upholstery and woodworking to laser cutting and 3D printing—enabling them to complete projects such as restoring furniture, designing cabinets, or producing architectural models. 

Commenting on the new 3D Makerspace  Jonathan Hindle, KI President EMEA said “It’s wonderful to see Morley College London investing in such a professional facility that puts furniture making and upholstery firmly back on the agenda in education, as our industry desperately needs young people with these skills and expertise for its future growth.” 

By offering access to professional-standard equipment and environments typically found in industry settings, the 3D makerspace and TV Studio will empower students to develop practical skills, experiment with technologies, and gain the confidence to thrive in a wide range of creative careers – all within their local community. 

“This is a space where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary innovation,” said Alexander Gifford, Morley College Interim Head of School: Art – “Whatever you want to make – whether restoring a classic chair or creating an architectural model—we’ve got the space, the equipment, and the know-how to help you achieve it.” 

Visit the Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries for more information