Sunderland's Derelict Shipyard to Become Major Film Hub
Sunderland City Council has taken a significant step towards transforming a former shipyard site into a major TV and film production hub. The council has appointed global real estate advisor CBRE to attract investors for Crown Works Studios, a 1.5 million square foot facility set to boost the region's creative industries.
The project, which aims to revitalise the derelict Crown Works site, will receive a substantial public funding package totalling £120 million. This includes a £25 million government grant for site remediation. CBRE will now engage with potential investors, developers, and operators to bring the project to life.
The previous investor, Crown Family Philanthropies, has stepped down, paving the way for new investment. The appointment of CBRE marks a significant milestone, with both the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport expressing their support for the project. Planning permission for the initial phase has also been secured.
Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, sees Crown Works Studios as a landmark moment for the region's creative industries. This optimism is fuelled by a surge in production spend in the region over the last three years, as reported by North East Screen.
With CBRE on board, the future of Crown Works Studios looks promising. The project stands to benefit from substantial investment and public funding, with the potential to create a significant number of jobs and boost the local economy. The support of key political figures and the positive outlook from industry leaders further cement the project's potential.
