Green light for Studio One plans at Crown Works

Plans to create “world-class” film and television production facilities in Sunderland have taken a significant step forward after the first phase of Crown Works Studios secured planning approval.

Sunderland City Council’s planning authority has approved proposals for Studio One, paving the way for 125,000sq ft of production space on the banks of the River Wear.

The development will feature three sound stages, production accommodation, backlot space and parking, alongside the refurbishment of the historic WH Foster Printworks building.

Studio One represents the first phase of the 31-hectare Crown Works site, which is being developed as a hub for film and high-end television production and a catalyst for further employment-led investment across Riverside Sunderland.

More than £38 million is being invested in the scheme by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, with overall public-sector investment in land assembly, remediation and Studio One set to reach just over £60 million.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “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.

“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.”

Extensive site preparation and remediation work has already been completed, with further enabling works continuing this autumn.

Designed around the technical and operational requirements of modern film and television production, Studio One will provide flexible facilities capable of accommodating a range of productions.

The scheme sits within the Crown Works Growth Zone and the wider Riverside Sunderland Creative Mayoral Development Zone, which stretches from Northern Spire bridge to the coast.

Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “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.

“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.”

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