North East Screen and regional newspapers are calling on the government to back the CrownWorks Studios in Sunderland.
The team behind the £450m studio submitted planning permission for the 1,68m sq ft complex last year, but say they need government support to continue momentum.
“Through the work delivered by North East Screen and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) we are already delivering real results to grow the screen industry across the North East,” explained Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen.
“Capital investment however, in a large studio would supercharge the region’s capacity to deliver a much broader range of international production across the whole year. We know we have the talent, skills, locations, and experience, building on the impact of activity that has already been developed and delivered across the region in the last two years. Now we need the infrastructure to make the industry more sustainable and create long-term jobs and opportunities.
“Since NESIP backed North East Screen to deliver a strategic five-year development project in 2020, production has risen 28% in the last year (bucking the national trend), and for every £1 invested by NESIP, up to £8 is being spent in the region creating well paid creative jobs. We will likely see these figures continue to rise across 2024 and 2025.
“The North East is very much open for, and delivering business. It is vital for the region to maintain this momentum in a very fast-moving sector. FulwelCain’s plans for CrownWorks Studios presents a phenomenal opportunity to capitalise on, and bring real change to the North East’s infrastructure, helping the region become one of the leading film and TV production hubs not only here in the UK, but globally.”
A joint statement from regional newspaper editors Ross Robertson, Ian Arkle, Graeme Whitfield, Helen Dalby, Sophie Barley and Gavin Foster read:
“The CrownWorks Studios plan has the potential to be transformational for Sunderland and the wider North East. It could be the catalyst for growth in the North East creative industries in the same way that the Nissan plant was for the car industry 40 years ago.
“FulwellCain have developed a plan that has the backing of the whole region, as well as key players in the film and TV world.
“We felt it was only right that the regional media unite our voices to demonstrate the depth of that support in every corner of the North East. Politicians of all parties have supported the plans but now is the time for the Government to provide the financial support to back up those warm words.
“The CrownWorks plan is levelling up in action and an opportunity that cannot be squandered.”
The studios would be one of Europe’s largest facilities, bringing almost 9000 jobs to the region and generating around £334m for the local economy each year.
Fulwell is the producer behind shows including Sunderland ‘Til I Die, An Audience with Adele and The Friends Reunion.
