A new 125,000 sq ft studio space is to be developed as part of the first phase of the Crown Works Studios in Sunderland.
Studio One will include 3 sound stages, production accommodation, backlot space and parking. The first phase of the development also includes the refurbishment of the historic WH Foster Printworks building.
“This is a significant step forward for Crown Works and paves the way for construction of a development that will establish Sunderland and the North East as a major destination for film and high-end TV production,” said Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council.
“Studio One will create world-class infrastructure on the banks of the Wear, opening up opportunities for local people and businesses. This is an exciting development for Sunderland and one that will create jobs, attract investment and position our city and the region to capture a wide range of opportunities in this global industry.”
Sunderland City Council’s Planning Authority approved the first phase, which marks a major milestone for the development of the wider 31-hectare Crown Works Studios site.
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It’s backed by more than £38m from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, with Studio One forming part of the Crown Works Growth Zone, an area which has been designated for employment creation and sits within the Riverside Sunderland Creative Mayoral Development Zone stretching from Northern Spire bridge to the coast.
Investment in land assembly, remediation and the delivery of Studio One will take public-sector investment in this part of the city to just over £60m.
“I promised to deliver Crown Works Studios, and this is another important milestone to opening the region’s first film and TV studios on the banks of the Wear,” stated North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness.
“But we’re not just building the infrastructure. We’re backing the whole sector. Investing in skills, supporting creative businesses and attracting more productions to the region, to make sure that Crown Works delivers opportunities for working class creatives.”
