Plans for a £450m film studio in Sunderland have moved forward with the launch of a public consultation.
FulwellCain Studios, a joint venture between Cain International and entertainment company Fulwell73, the company behind The Kardashians, Friends: the Reunion, and Sunderland Til I Die announced plans earlier this year to deliver Crown Works Studios, a 1.66m sqft studio in Pallion.
The project would need significant financial support from the Government to go ahead but - if approved - it is proposed to be delivered in three phases, with construction set to start in 2024 and the final phase to be completes by 2027. Planners and strategic partner 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 also meeting the growing demand for studio space in the UK.
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Plans have now stepped forward with the launch of a public consultation, with the Newcastle office of planning consultancy Lichfields leading the process, which comes ahead of the formal planning application for the site.
Following the scheme's launch by FulwellCain Studios in February consultants at Saffery Champness and Nordicity estimated the proposed development could bolster regional economic growth, generating £336m for the local economy every year and promote levelling up by generating 8,450 employment opportunities in the North East within the next decade, with a number of sound stages suitable for major feature film and television productions.
The studios would include 19 premium sound stages, offices, workshops, a vendor village, and a backlot, with the infrastructure needed to support everything from major productions to smaller scale projects.
Leo Pearlman, partner of Fulwell 73, said: “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.”
Lynda Newsome, associate director at the Lichfields Newcastle office, said: “This is a prestigious project that will create thousands of jobs, economic prosperity and put the region on the map as an international centre for broadcast and film production. It also heralds the continued dramatic transformation of Sunderland’s Riverside area, so we are extremely keen to hear the views of as many local people and stakeholders as possible before final plans are submitted.”
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “The public’s reaction to the initial announcement was incredible. I think people in the city recognise very clearly this development’s potential to totally transform our economy – and the way in which this will deliver a shot in the arm for the whole of the North East. We’re looking forward to gathering feedback from residents over the next few weeks, that will feed into a full planning application which will pave the way for delivery subject to Government support.”
The move comes as a number of regeneration schemes unfold on Wearside, including the Sheepfolds leisure site, work at Keel Square and on the Riverside Sunderland site. Lichfields is seeking views via a digital consultation, which is live until June 23 at www.crownworks.co.uk.Exhibition boards are on display at City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland until June 23 and feedback can also be emailed to crownworks@lichfields.uk by June 30.
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