3 Mills Studios will be a base for the London 2012 Ceremonies Team in a deal struck by the Olympic Park Legacy Company.

Around 450 jobs will be created as artists working on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Torch Relay and Victory Ceremonies will use the historic venue as a rehearsal space.

The Legacy Company is taking control of the 20 acre complex from the London Development Agency as part of the land transfer, and has begun work on developing plans for the 14 stage complex. The studios sit within the London borough of Newham, next to the border with Tower Hamlets.

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said:

“3 Mills Studios is among the hotbed of talent and emerging artists that surround the Olympic Park. The rich cultural heritage of the Studios, combined with its renowned production facilities, make it a natural fit for the creative powerhouse that is the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies Team.

“Boosting London’s creative and media industries is a significant part of our vision for the Olympic Park. What could be a stronger signal of our commitment than the creation of hundreds of jobs at 3 Mills to produce a series of spectacular shows that will be watched by a world-wide audience of more than a billion.”

Last week, Oscar winning filmmaker Danny Boyle was appointed Artistic Director for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. An Artistic Director for the Olympic Closing Ceremony and the Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be appointed later this year.

LOCOG will begin moving its staff into 3 Mills in October 2010, and by the end of 2011 expect to have around 450 full time staff plus hundreds of contractors and production volunteers.

It will be undertaking permanent capital works on the site, improving for example office spaces, accessibility and the digital networking of the site.

Normal film, TV and rehearsal activity will continue at 3 Mills Studios alongside the Ceremonies Team.