10 March 2026
Plans for the new film studios on the banks of the Wear have taken a major step forward
Plans for the new film studios have taken a step forward
Creative Industries leaders from the University of Sunderland today welcomed a major step forward for plans to create new film studios on the banks of the Wear.
It comes as North East Mayor Kim McGuinness unveiled a £104m package to turbocharge the region’s creative sector, driving new jobs and opportunities for local people.
At the heart of the Mayor’s vision is £38.5m to build and open what is set to be one of the North of England’s largest film studios by the end of next year. Construction of Crown Works Phase 1 in Sunderland will start this summer.
Lee Hall, Head of School of Media and Creative Industries, said: “At the University of Sunderland, we are focused on preparing students to work in a range of dynamic, creative roles; aligning our teaching, facilities and partnerships to meet industry needs.
“We have seen significant growth in screen production and opportunities in recent years, which has been welcome and has been matched by increasing numbers of students on our film and media courses.
“The promise of Crown Works has always been a potential step change in activity and opportunity, so this is a huge moment for the region as a whole and our city in particular - renowned for our history of making. New jobs at the studio and in many associated disciplines and supply chain businesses will not only provide more opportunities for our graduates, but it will boost the whole area in so many ways.”
A further £24m will be invested to ready Gateshead Quays for a new 12,500-15,000 seat arena to rival venues such as Manchester, Glasgow and London, as well as the creation of a new open-air performance space and urban park.
The package of investments is set to be considered by the North East Combined Authority Cabinet next week. The meeting will hear that the creative industries is among the fastest growing sectors in the UK, with the North East outperforming all other English regions in recent years*.
Construction of Phase 1 of Crown Works is set to begin in July with the Mayor providing a total package of more than £38m, including £11m recyclable funding, operational revenue support of £500k per year for five years and reconfirmation of £25m Trailblazer Devolution Deal funding first offered by the Government in 2024.
Crown Works Studio would be one of the largest in the North when it opens at the end of 2027, totalling 125,000 sq ft of flexible studio space across a new Studio One space alongside the transformation of the existing Doxford Printworks building.
The investment is expected to act as a catalyst for private sector backing and future development of the site beside the River Wear to feed the North East’s fast growing film and TV production market.
The whole £104m package also includes a £42m North East Culture, Creative Industries and Sport framework, backed by £25m from the Combined Authority’s Integrated Settlement, to develop grassroots talent, improve small venues, and boost access and participation across the region.