Plans for a film and TV complex in Sunderland, which is expected to bring 8,450 jobs across the North East over the next decade, have been given the go-ahead by Sunderland City Council.
Detailed plans for the first phase of Crown Works Studios have been approved by the city council’s planning committee, paving the way for construction to begin this summer.
Outline proposals for two further phases of the development have also been rubber stamped, marking the final milestone in local approvals needed for the 1.68m sq ft film hub at Pallion to be built.
Crown Works Studios is being delivered by FulwellCain – a joint venture between global entertainment company Fulwell 73 and Cain International. Plans for the studios were first announced in February 2023.
The studios are expected to be one of the largest in Europe, with 20 premium sound stages suitable for major feature film and high-end TV (HETV) productions.
Speaking about the project gaining planning approval, Leo Pearlman, managing partner at Fulwell 73, said: “This is a huge moment for Sunderland, the North East and the UK – unlocking untapped potential to further build our world-leading screen industries. Crown Works Studios will deliver thousands of jobs at all levels. Building these studios will kick-start the creation of an entire production ecosystem – ensuring the benefits are felt far and wide – throughout the North East, and beyond the creative sector.”
“We wanted this for Sunderland because not only do we have long-established ties to the city that we love, but we know the screen industries need all that the North East has to offer from locations to skilled crew and crucially, more space,” added Pearlman.
