Crown Works Studios

CBRE, on behalf of Sunderland City Council, is pleased to present Crown Works Studios-a transformative development opportunity in the heart of the North East of England. Positioned on approximately 80 acres of prime riverside land along the River Wear, Crown Works Studios is set to become a nationally significant hub for film, television, and post-production activity.

The site benefits from full planning permission for Phase 1 and outline consent for future phases, enabling the delivery of up to 1.5 million sq ft of purpose-built production space. This includes up to 19 sound stages, 32 supporting workshops, a hospitality hub, training academy, and flexible office accommodation. Phase 1 will feature eight sound stages ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 sq ft, designed to meet the highest industry standards with soundproofing, gantry access, and generous working heights.

A public funding package of up to £120 million has been secured through the UK Government and the North East Combined Authority, with an initial £25 million already committed to site remediation. Construction is anticipated to commence in Q1 2026, with enabling works currently underway. Sunderland City Council is actively seeking a strategic partner to acquire, lease, or manage the site, with all delivery structures open for consideration.

Crown Works Studios is strategically located with excellent transport connectivity. Newcastle City Centre is just 27 minutes away, Newcastle International Airport is reachable within 54 minutes, and London King's Cross is accessible in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by rail. The surrounding area offers a rich mix of cultural, leisure, and retail amenities, enhancing the appeal for both production teams and long-term occupiers.

The North East region has emerged as the fastest-growing area in the UK for screen industries, with a 131% increase in production spend over the past three years. The region hosts over 1,200 filming days annually, supported by a growing local talent pool and strong institutional backing. Recent productions filmed in the area include 28 Years Later (Sony), Vera (ITV), Dungeons & Dragons (Paramount), and Smoggie Queens (BBC), underscoring the region's cinematic appeal and operational viability.

This is a rare opportunity to participate in a nationally significant regeneration and cultural infrastructure project. Crown Works Studios offers a compelling proposition for investors, operators, and content creators seeking to establish a presence in one of the UK's most dynamic and well-supported screen production ecosystems.