00:01A major film studio development planned for Sunderland has taken another step forward
00:06with the submission of a detailed planning application for its first phase.
00:10The proposal covers Studio One at Crown Works on the banks of the River Weir.
00:14Plans include three sound stages, production accommodation,
00:18backlog space, a car park and the refurbishment of the former W.H. Foster Printworks building.
00:23Project leaders say the site has already been prepared and if planning permission is granted,
00:27construction is expected to begin in the autumn. Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Chris
00:33Anon has described the application as an exciting step forward for the city.
00:37The first phase is supported by £38.5 million of public funding from the North East Mayoral
00:44Strategic Authority. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness says the investment could help bring jobs closer
00:49to local communities while attracting film and television productions to the region.
00:54Earlier proposals for a much larger development were reduced after private investors withdrew.
01:00Supporters say this first stage is intended to begin a gradual expansion with further public
01:05and private investment expected if the project progresses successfully. Planning officials will
01:10now consider the application before deciding whether the development can move into the construction
01:15phase. Supporters hope the project will strengthen the region's creative industries while encouraging
01:21more production companies to base work in the North East. A decision on the application will follow the planning process.
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