Sunderland submits revised planning bid for Crown Works Studios

A revised planning application for Studio One, the opening phase of the 31-hectare Crown Works Growth Zone film studio site in Sunderland, has been lodged with the city council: 178,000 sq ft of production space with three sound stages, production offices, backlot space, surface parking and the refurbished historic WH Foster Printworks building. After private backers Cain International and Fulwell Entertainment stepped away from the original £450m masterplan, the first phase is publicly funded with more than £38m from the North East Combined Authority, while the council keeps looking for private investment for the wider complex. Construction could begin in autumn 2026 once planning is approved. Announced on 28.07.2026 (revised planning application). Completion: according to the North East Combined Authority the studio is due to open at the end of 2027 (09.03.2026); 31.12.2027 is a placeholder date, only the year is confirmed.