Sunderland's landmark film studio granted planning approval

Sunderland City Council has approved plans for the development of a £450 million film and TV studio that will be built on the brownfield site along the River Wear, marking a significant development for the region.

The new complex, which was designed by 4D Studio Architects, will cover 154,215 m² on a 33ha site, making it one of Europe's largest studios. The venture, led by Fullwell73 and Cain International in partnership with Sunderland City Council, will boast 19 sound stages and various facilities to support film and TV production processes, including offices, workshops, a vendor village and a backlot.

The project replaces previous plans for a housing estate and a school in the area, and has been commended for its design quality by the planning officers.

It is estimated that this development would create 8,450 jobs within the North East region over the next decade, with the planning firm Lichfields saying that the studios would put the North East "on the map" as an international centre for broadcast and film production.

The planning permission, subject to additional requirements, has been granted and aided by the government's recent cash injection of £120 million that was announced in the spring budget. The construction work is set to begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2027.

Harvey Emms from Lichfields said: "This is one of the most high-profile and exciting developments to come forward in the North East in recent years.

"It will put the region on the map as an international centre for broadcast and film production, creating thousands of jobs and economic prosperity in the process.

"It also brings the dramatic transformation of Sunderland's Riverside a lot closer."