IT has flown under the radar as the go-to place for film and TV programme makers, but Hayes is in the spotlight this week.

Colin Firth's movie, The Mercy, also starring Rachel Weisz, released last Friday, was part-filmed at the West London Film Studios in Springfield Road.

It tells the story of yachtsman Donald Crowhurst’s disastrous attempt to win the 1968 Golden Globe Race.

The Mercy follows Oscar winner The Imitation Game, TV series Misfits and other hit films, such as World War Z. Brad Pitt and Keira Knightley are among those who have filmed there.

Hayes has long had links with the celebrity elite, mostly through The Beatles albums, which were manufactured in the town by EMI.

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The Old Vinyl Factory, previously home to EMI in Blyth Road, was featured in the emotional reunion scene in Thor: The Dark World, where Thor and his lover, Jane Foster, meet again. 

Now, the abandoned warehouse site is undergoing a renaissance. The surrounding development is expected to provide 4,000 jobs, 642 homes, 750,000 sq ft of commercial and leisure space including a new three-screen cinema and live music venue in Hayes, all by 2020.

Be Living has already built 133 pet-friendly homes as part of its be:here Hayes development at the Gatefold building, close to Hayes & Harlington station, on the Crossrail route. 

The homes are specially designed for renting with a roof terrace for community events and on-site property manager. http://www.behere-hayes.co.uk/