Starmer throws support behind Crown Works
The Prime Minister has given his vocal backing to Sunderland’s £450m film studio, following investor Cain International’s withdrawal last month.
On Tuesday, Keir Starmer said: “Let me be really clear on this because I know it really matters – we really want to see this landmark project come to fruition.
“It is such a good project, good for jobs, good for growth.
“We announced £25m of funding for the studios in the Autumn Statement to support filmmaking and economic growth, and we are working with the Mayor [Kim McGuinness] very closely, because we need to get private investors to get in behind this.
“I am determined that we will do everything we can to see this project come to fruition. It is really important locally, it is a huge thing, and we need to give it our full backing.”
The 1.7m sq ft Crown Works Studio received full planning permission in March last year, with the 82-acre plot to be transformed into one of Europe’s largest film studios.
Plans for 19 sound stages and offices for production processes such as visual effects were greenlit by Sunderland Council, which is a strategic partner in the project alongside entertainment firm Fulwell.
Designed by 4D Studio Architects, the wider project team includes Lichfields, landscape architect Southern Green, structural engineer Hydrick, M&E consultant Desco, and quantity surveyor Towner & Townsend.
Cain International pulled out as an investor last month, leaving the 2027 completion date up in the air and Fulwell and the council seeking a new partner.
The North East Combined Authority has previously pledged up to £120m towards the project.
Located on the banks of the River Wear in Pallion, Sunderland City Council leader Michael Mordey has already said he expects to have funding secured by the time land remediation works at the site are completed later this year.
