Petition launched urging Government to back major North East film studio plans

An artists impression of the proposed Crown Works Studios in Pallion

A petition has been launched urging the Government to back plans for a North East film studio that would bring thousands of jobs to the region.

The multimillion-pound Crown Works Studios plans in Sunderland would be used for the production of blockbuster film and TV productions, bringing stars and creative talent to the area and creating 8,450 jobs in a range of professions. Film company Fulwell 73 – the company behind Netflix documentary Sunderland ‘Til I Die – has raised £450m for the project from backers but the company is now asking the Government to provide financial backing to help make the plans a reality.

Now, a petition on change.org is calling on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to step up and back the scheme. It has already gained more than 2,300 signatures since being set up by Seaham man Tony Gardner who believes the project would be an economic gamechanger.

• READ MORE: Production company Fulwell 73 submit ambitious plans for £450m film studio in Sunderland
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Writing on the petition, he said: “I am a resident of Sunderland, deeply invested in the future of our city and its youth. It is my belief that investing in the Crown Works film studios in Pallion can provide a much-needed boost to our area, which has faced economic deprivation for too long.

“Sunderland has been identified as one of the most deprived areas in England (English Indices of Deprivation 2019). Investing in our local film studio could create jobs and opportunities, not just for those directly involved with film production but also across various sectors such as catering, transportation and construction.

“This would not only help reduce unemployment rates but also stimulate local businesses. Moreover, this investment could inspire pride among our young people who will see their city contributing to the UK’s vibrant film industry.

“They will know that they too can play a part by working at Crown Works. The UK creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the economy in 2018 (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport), demonstrating how valuable this sector can be.

“We urge the government to recognise Sunderland’s potential and invest accordingly into Crown Works Film Studios. Please sign this petition if you believe in a brighter future for Sunderland and its residents.”

It comes after politicians, business leaders and cultural groups from around the North East threw their weight behind the plans, which would bring an estimated £336m annual boost to the North East economy.

Fulwell 73 said: “Crown Works Studios will be the focus of the second hub for UK film and high-end TV production. It will help the UK secure a greater piece of the international market, generating local jobs and export earnings and benefitting the whole UK industry.

“To deliver this we need a partnership with the UK Government to deliver a time limited financial support package. The stakes are high – if a deal cannot be agreed and projects such as Crown Works Studios cannot go ahead then Hungary, France and many other countries stand ready to seize this industry and the jobs and growth will take place elsewhere. The clock is ticking and what is a great British success strategy could become a big missed opportunity.”

Fulwell 73 has worked with global investment group Cain International and Sunderland City Council to develop the plans. A decision on planning permission is expected in the coming weeks with hopes that work can start on the studios this year, enabling the first productions to be filmed on site by 2025. The full scheme – delivered in three phases – would be completed by 2027.

To sign the petition, visit here