Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios is to benefit from an investment package, which means work could begin this summer.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced a £104 million funding programme aiming to transform the region’s creative industries, driving jobs and opportunities for local people. The package includes a £39 million injection for the Crown Works development—the largest single project—with work on phase one of the construction expected to begin in July.
Last year, following planning approval, the proposals were backed with £25 million in funding from central government, with both the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport adding their support.
Under the scheme, the former Wearside shipyard site will be transformed into a 1.5 million sq ft TV and film production facility, including 125,000 sq ft of studio space, becoming one of the largest in northern England.
Commenting on behalf of Ask:PATRIZIA, Gateshead Council’s development partner, John Hughes, MD of Ask Real Estate, said, “We welcome the strong financial support of the Mayor, and are ready to start on this transformational development which has significant benefits for the local people of Gateshead and the wider North East region.”
