A revised planning application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council detailing the design for Studio One, the first phase of the 31-hectare Crown Works Growth Zone regeneration on the south bank of the River Wear.
The updated proposals follow a significant restructuring of the project after original private investors, Cain International and Fulwell Entertainment, withdrew from the £450 million masterplan.
The revised scheme adopts a scaled-back, publicly funded first phase while Sunderland City Council continues to seek private sector investment to deliver the remaining stages of the film studio development.
Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin later this year following the completion of extensive land remediation and site preparation works across the former industrial site.
Designed by FaulknerBrowns, Studio One will provide approximately 178,000 sq ft of production facilities, including three purpose-built sound stages, production offices, backlot space, surface parking and the restoration of the historic WH Foster Printworks building.
The first phase of development will be located on the eastern section of the regeneration site, creating the foundation for future expansion.
The project has secured more than £38 million in funding from the North East Combined Authority, while total public investment committed to the wider Crown Works Growth Zone now exceeds £60 million.
Studio One is expected to serve as the catalyst for transforming the 31-hectare site into a major employment and creative industries hub focused on film production, high-end television and digital media.
Future development phases aim to expand the complex into one of the largest film studio campuses in northern England, capable of supporting major film productions, television series, live entertainment events and large-scale game show productions.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “This planning permission is the last hurdle to bringing world class film and TV shows to the North East and I’m excited to see construction start.”