Plans have been submitted to transform a former Sunderland shipyard into major film studios, which could create more than 1,000 jobs.
Pallion Engineering is seeking permission to regenerate the Pallion Shipyard, which is the only shipyard currently remaining in the city since it closed at the end of the 1980s.
The huge building will be restored and retained for the development, which will feature more than 500,000 sq ft of creative space for filming and rehearsing.
It will also include post-production areas, animation suites and green rooms, and promises the largest covered water-studio in the world.
Shipyard Studios will be located close to the Riverside Sunderland masterplan which aims to bring more people into the city with residential, retail, commercial and hospitality developments.
The scheme is being led by Metalwork Pictures USA alongside Broadwick Live, which has created more than 20 venues and film studios across the UK including London’s Printworks, Pallion Engineering and Japan’s Kajima Corporation of Japan.
Andrew Levitas, GM of Metalwork UK, who also directed the Johnny Depp-starrer Minimata, said: “With rapidly growing demand for world class production space, huge local investment, and historically unique infrastructure, Pallion Film Shipyard Studios is singularly positioned to deliver as the premiere production destination globally.
“This visionary facility for creators and producers alike will offer an overwhelmingly positive impact on the Sunderland community and surrounding areas.”
Levitas added that the planned development will feature a strong educational thread for the benefit of the local creative community, supporting the ambitions of Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and North East Screen to position the city and North East region as a centre for film and media.
