Hans Zimmer, the renowned composer of film scores such as The Lion King, Gladiator and Inception, has bought the BBC’s iconic Maida Vale Studios in London in a partnership with three film producers.

The venue, which the BBC had owned since 1933, has played host to the likes of David Bowie, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Beyonce, as well as being the home of performing groups such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Zimmer, who has won an Oscar, four Grammys and two Golden Globes for his music, said he was “honoured and thrilled” to acquire the studios, which he described as “a place of extraordinary musical history”.

He said he plans to preserve the studios’ legacy and heritage, while also transforming them into a “state-of-the-art” facility for film and music production.

Zimmer’s partners in the deal are film producers Steve Clark-Hall, Guy Ritchie and Rahaal Mehta. They said they share Zimmer’s vision of creating a “world-class creative hub” that will attract talent from across the globe.

The BBC announced in 2018 that it would sell the studios, which are located in north-west London, as part of its plans to modernise its estate and reduce costs. The broadcaster said it would relocate its music operations to other sites in London, including a new music studio at its headquarters in Broadcasting House.

The BBC said it was “delighted” that Zimmer and his partners had bought the studios, and that they would “continue to celebrate the rich musical history of Maida Vale”.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.