Revised plans have been submitted to Sunderland City Council for the initial stage of the Crown Works film studios vision. A new computer generated image shows the first intended new buildings for the Sunderland regeneration site.
Studio One to kick-start development
Studio One is intended to be initial phase of the project and will stand to the east of the brownfield site where there has already been extensive remediation and site preparation works. Pending approval, it is hoped the first studio will kick-start the incremental building out of the site.
The first phase - designed by FaulknerBrowns architects will include three sound stages, ancillary production accommodation, backlot space and a surface car park, alongside the refurbishment of the historic WH Foster Printworks building. It will provide 178,000 sq ft of TV and film production space.
Scaled-down vision still promising
It is hoped this stage could prompt further public and private backing for the project, which has been scaled down from its original concept. The original Crown Works vision was for 19 sound stages with hopes that could generate thousands of across the region. But financiers Cain International withdrew their backing from the idea, led by production company Fulwell 73.
Regional leaders say the revised plans can still bring huge benefit to the region, with Crown Works holding the potential to become of the largest studio complexes in the North of England. It will be capable of hosting live events, gameshows and blockbuster films and TV projects.
Quotes from leaders
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: “We’re on the verge of blockbuster films and smash hit TV being filmed here on the banks of the River Wear. I can’t wait for our brilliant creatives, both in front of the camera and behind, to be first in line for the opportunities that Crown Works Studios will bring.
“Our £38m investment is all about making sure there’s jobs for local people on their doorstep, without having to move hundreds of miles away to London. This planning permission is the last hurdle to bringing world-class film and TV shows to the North East and I’m excited to see construction start.”
Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “I want to see plans for Crown Works move ahead at pace, so this is an exciting step forward that will take this from vision to reality. Sunderland has a long and proud history as a city of makers. People here are not only creative, they’re also industrious and that combination means that there could be no better place to accelerate the region’s ambitions when it comes to unlocking the potential of our creative industries.”
Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, said: “The timing of these developments could not be better. Our recently published four year impact report shows the growth rate in the region’s screen industries is phenomenal and very much set to continue.
“The North East Production Fund is crucial in attracting more production to the region. But once here, the welcome they receive from our film office and filming friendly authorities, the breadth and quality of our locations and our first-class crew and talent ensure they want to stay longer.
“Adding essential studio infrastructure means we can attract a much wider range of productions, and open up more opportunities for local crew and suppliers.”
