A proposal has been officially submitted to Sunderland's city council for the construction of a £450m film studio complex.
FulwellCain Studios, a collaboration between Fulwell 73, a global entertainment company, and Cain International plans to establish the Crown Works Studioson land adjacent to Pallion Shipyard along the river Wear.
The comprehensive application outlines the initial phase of the studios' development, with two additional phases proposed for preliminary approval. Once completed, the project will create a film industry hub spanning 1.68 million square feet at Pallion, equipped with 20 sound stages tailored for major feature films and high-end television productions.
Scheduled for committee review in March 2024, the plans hinge on securing government support after local consent. If granted, construction could commence by the following year, aiming to finalise the last phase by 2027.
Named in homage to the former shipyard on the site, Crown Works Studios is anticipated to revolutionise the city's economy, fostering an ecosystem comparable to Sunderland's economic transformation driven by Nissan's investment in the 1980s. Additionally, it will address the escalating demand for studio space within the UK.
Managing Partner at Fulwell 73, Leo Pearlman, commented: “Sunderland City Council has shown its commitment to our plans with this application, and we have demonstrated ours too, with everything lined up and ready to go should we gain approval and get the support we need from Government.
“This is a transformational plan that will reinvigorate not only the city and region’s economy, but will represent a shot in the arm for the UK’s creative industries and we are determined to do everything we can to ensure the impact of the studios are fully understood and supported.”
The proposal for the £450 million Crown Works Studios in Sunderland is a big deal for the city's future. FulwellCain Studios, made up of Fulwell 73 and Cain International, is behind this exciting plan to build a huge film studio complex.