Initial film studio plans were 'absolutely crazy'
BBCA new film studio can still bring thousands of jobs despite being scaled down from its "absolutely crazy" initial ambitions, according to officials backing the scheme.
The original £450m privately funded plans for Crown Works in Sunderland included 19 studios across 1.5 million sq ft (139,355 sq m) but will now initially be two buildings over 125,000 sq ft (11,613 sq m), backed by £38.5m of public money.
One of its private investors pulled out in June, then on Monday Fullwell Entertainment confirmed it would no longer be delivering the scheme.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said there was demand in the region for the studio space, but opposition politicians have questioned the changes.
Construction on the studio is expected to begin in July and be complete by the end of 2027, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The works will be funded by the taxpayer but McGuinness said: "This is a massive site and we know private investment will follow to expand this site, grow it and deliver on a much, much bigger ambition in the long term.
"We have seen 130% growth in these industries in the last three years alone. Every single year it gets bigger and bigger and we need studio space."
The mayor said that ultimately the site would bring "thousands of jobs" to the region and become a "real centre in the North for film and television and creative industries".
Crown Works StudioSunderland City Council leader Michael Mordey said it had quickly become apparent there was "no need or demand" for 19 studios to be built in one go in Sunderland.
"We talked to the likes of the studios in Belfast and they said we would be absolutely crazy to build 18 or 19 in one go," he said.
Nevertheless the Labour leader said he was confident that after proving the success of scaled back plans, expansion would follow.
"There is a clear demand out there," he said.
'Widespread disappointment'
A press release announcing the new scheme on Monday made no mention of the belief the original plans were too big for the available demand, leading opposition Liberal Democrats in Sunderland to describe the scaled back proposal as a "climbdown".
Councillor Steve Donkin said: "The public deserves answers about the decisions, financial mismanagement and failed promises that have led to widespread disappointment.
"It seems that ambitious plans for investment and community transformation that were first announced are failing to materialise."
A North East Combined Authority spokesperson said it could not "control private investors" and, when complete in 2027, the site would be one of the biggest film studios in the northern England.
But North East Screen head Alison Gwynn said: "A phased approach that meets demand is sensible, it's practical.
"We'll be able to create real opportunities for local people."
