Development of £450m Sunderland film studios begins
Written by Joseph Ould on 27th March 2025
Preparatory works have now begun for the development of the new Crown Works Studios on the banks of the River Wear.
The plans were initially granted approval back in May 2024, with Sunderland City Council describing the project as a “once in a generation development.”
Diggers have now begun to clear the land on the banks of the River Wear in preparation for development of the studios.
Photo credit: Crown Works
A Sunderland City Council spokesperson said: “Sunderland City Council is currently remediating the site in preparation for future investment.
“This will take several months to complete and we will soon be procuring a contractor to take the next phase forward which we expect to start on site later in the year.”
Once complete, the £450 million pound project will be able to accommodate making three blockbuster movies at any one time.
The news hasn’t just been exciting those in the North East – but also some giants of Hollywood.
Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji star Karen Gillan tweeted her support of the Studios development and even revealed she is half-Mackem.
Local theatre and acting groups in the North East have also expressed support for the film studio with Fulwell73, who are one of the driving forces behind the studios – pledging to give local talent a chance.
A spokeswoman for North East based feminist theatre company Menstrual Rage said: “Its a really exciting time to be in the industry and based in the North East.
“Its not often these kind of things happen in Sunderland and i just hope the industry continues to go from strength to strength in the region.”
The development is currently scheduled to be complete by 2027 and is expected to create thousands of jobs.
