Sunderland film studios complex moves forward with plans to create 8,450 jobs

A “once in a generation” development, that could bring more than 8,000 jobs to the North East, has taken a step forward as public consultation gets underway, paving the way for a planning application later this summer.

FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between Cain International and entertainment company Fulwell73, with strategic partner Sunderland City Council, announced plans earlier this year to deliver Crown Works Studios, one of the largest filmmaking complexes in Europe, creating some 8,450 jobs across the North East over the next decade.

Plans are now moving to public consultation, with planning specialist Lichfields collating feedback that will inform a full planning application for the 154,215 sq m (1.66m sq ft) site.

If they go ahead, the studios will spearhead a new UK creative industries hub in the North East, housing 19 premium sound stages, offices, workshops, a vendor village, and an extensive backlot. This “state-of-the-art” creative hub will provide the infrastructure needed to support the biggest blockbuster productions, as well as smaller scale projects.

Described by city leaders as ‘the single most significant development announcement to come out of the North East in decades’, Crown Works Studios would stand on land on a prominent, currently disused, brownfield site on the banks of the River Wear, and would be transformational for the city’s economy, providing a shot in the arm for UK Plc too.

Planners and Sunderland City Council believe the studios will cultivate an eco-system on a scale not seen since Nissan’s investment in Sunderland in the 1980s, while meeting the growing demand for studio space in the UK. Lichfields is seeking the views of local people and stakeholders on the plans via a digital consultation, which is live until June 23.

The scheme, which requires support from Government to go ahead, will be delivered in three phases, with work set to start in 2023 and the final phase set to complete by 2027.

Leo Pearlman, partner of Fulwell 73, commented: “Fulwell is a company built on family and the North East is embedded in our DNA. For over 100 years my family had a business here in Sunderland and called this great City home and I really believe in the opportunities for the screen industry to invest in our beloved North East region.

“Through delivering the studios, we will create a long-term production industry infrastructure, contributing to the local economy in the North East, attract even more significant high-end production to the UK and ensuring that future generations of North Eastern talent with all skill sets can develop and prosper at home within the region.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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