LinkedIn, May 2026
They say you should never get emotional about real estate, but this is one of the most interesting sale instructions I have ever taken on, being the former regional HQ of cinematic giant Dolby, which revolutionised the science of sight and sound. The building at Interface Business Park, Royal Wootten Bassett is believed to have been built for Ray Dolby, the American engineer who invented the noise reduction system, hence the name Portland House (he was born in Portland, Oregon). Since the early 1990s, this building has served as a series of small cinema rooms with workshop space where some of the greatest films ever made were edited, with many of their movie stars present. The films were then sent on to be shown in London. The Bond movie Skyfall is believed to be the last one to have some of its audio post-production here.
Less than 2 miles from Jct 16 M4 Motorway, this 34,000 sq ft building, now serves as an HQ for global travel provider Image Cruising, founded in 2011, who established their presence at the property in 2016. The business is part of Emirates Group; dnata (the travel services arm) have a 51% controlling stake. Being highly profitable and working with major cruise lines, their bookings are targeted at an affluent generation of customers who associate with 4-star and 5-star hotels globally. Let on a new 3-year FRI term certain since July 2025 at a low passing rent, the building is used by over 200 employees who benefit from the 116 car parking spaces on 3 acres of land. Asking terms at £3.12M, 15% initial (£91 per sq ft) represent a blockbuster of an opportunity for an investor wishing to own some cinematic heritage and a high-yielding cashflow underpinned by a strong location for commercial real estate. Get in touch via duncan@maclarenpartners.co.uk
