Studio 10
Charity No. 1165432
Mel Pilgrim
“Over the last ten years, I have come into contact with Mel Pilgrim, a local Leigh developer, who has had a dream normally not associated with developers; of being compassionate to his tenants, especially those with learning difficulties and working with them to enable them to achieve a satisfying life.”
“To this end, Mel has followed his dream, which links those with learning difficulties to the pastime of Art and, together with properties in Spain, produced a plan to create a set of studios at both ends of the link in Liegh and Pedreguer. This provides an opportunity for the less fortunate to experience another world and enjoy their artistic skills whilst there. Mel has followed this plan for a long time, never giving up the idea and constantly promoting and following it, though. I have been impressed with his determination. Mel has continued to pursue the concept and it is pleasing to see support growing for the scheme.”
Extract from a letter from Graham Longley (one-time Mayor & Leader of the Council, Southend on Sea Borough Council)
Why Studio 10 Matters
Mel’s vision wasn’t just about a building; it was about opportunity.
He believes the balance between university education and apprenticeships in the UK is wrong.
Instead of debt and no jobs, Mel wanted to offer practical skills, inspiration, and a community.
Against All Odds
From the start, Studio 10 faced countless obstacles:
- Lack of council support and funding cuts – built with my own funds only, no funding whatsoever
- Multiple architects who couldn’t deliver the vision until B.G.A finally did – and they caused problems
- Financial institutions refusing to support the project, including issues with HSBC and Barclays
- Personal and family struggles, including issues with mental health and a major health crisis – Mel suffered a heart attack while in a police station
- Legal battles, false accusations, and public slander, worsened by corrupt practices, lawyer delays, and drawn-out court cases involving B.T.M.K.
Through it all, Mel fought to keep Studio 10 alive, believing that helping even one young person reach their potential would make all the effort worthwhile.
What Happened
Due to repeated false allegations, police errors, and lack of accountability:
- Mel was taken to court 3 times and acquitted 3 times
- The police bodycam footage revealed no evidence to support the allegations
- Despite this, Studio 10 was shut down, leaving a £6.72 million loss and a broken dream
The Call for Justice
Mel is now fighting back, not just for himself, but for the community Studio 10 served.
Key facts:
- False allegations destroyed Studio 10 and Mel’s reputation.
- Corrupt actions by local authorities and the police led to the loss of Studio 10.
- Taking Ben Julian Harrington to court on 1st December 2025 over lies — he will not Say Sorry!
- A retrial is scheduled for 1st December 2025.
“Life has been made a living hell through false allegations, but I will not give up.”
Wasting taxpayers’ money.
Help Us Rebuild
Studio 10 may have been closed, but the vision remains alive.
How you can help:
- Donate to support the rebuilding of Studio 10
- Share this story with your community