Plans for a new film studio complex in the UK have been unveiled. It is expected to be one of the biggest in Europe.
On the banks of the River Wear in Sunderland, a new production hub called Crown Works Studios has been proposed.
The project is expected to start this year and finish in 2027, but it depends on government funding and is subject to planning procedures.
Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliot said, "It is a clear demonstration of confidence in the area and its people.".
Pallion could potentially house 1 point68 million square feet (156,077 square meters) of studio space, up to 20 sound stages, production buildings, and workshops.
Fulwell 73 and Cain International, the companies behind the plan, assert that it could generate more than 8,000 new jobs throughout the North East.
The Fulwell 73 partners, James Corden, Leo Pearlman, Ben Winston, Gabe Turner, and Ben Turner, said in a statement that the studio would "put the region on the map as a global production destination.".
We all agree that this ambitious Sunderland-based studio presents a rare opportunity to bring more high-end production to the UK, they declared.
The production company was in charge of the 2018 Sunderland 'Til I Die documentary on Netflix.
The studio hub "would create a long-term production industry" and "attract even more significant high end production to the UK," according to Leo Pearlman, managing partner at Fulwell 73.
It follows the announcement of plans to create 1,000 jobs at the Shipyard Studios at the end of the previous year.
A "landmark moment for the city," said Labour MP Ms. Elliot.
She asserted that "these plans will bring about transformational change on an unprecedented scale to the local and regional economy.".
"I have collaborated closely with a wide range of individuals to support and champion the enormous opportunity that this investment will present to our city. Once the planning phase is over, I can't wait to see it come to pass. ".
Usman Ali, a Conservative councilor for Ryhope, however, claimed that locals had expressed a variety of opinions.
Any investment, including what has been dubbed "Pallywood," in Sunderland, he believed, could only be beneficial.
"I'm aware that many people have conflicting opinions; some want to bring it back for shipbuilding.
Being a native of Sunderland, I would personally love to bring that back, but obviously it would be expensive, and dredging is a problem. Why not try it, in my opinion, if something like this is coming forward?
