The government has announced a devolution package for the north-east of England which confirms funding for a major new film and TV studio in Sunderland.  

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s “trailblazer” devolution deal will, over time, make up to £120m available for the development.   

Crown Works Studios is a joint venture between production company Fulwell 73 and Cain International, under the combined company Fulwell Cain. According to the report, £450m had already been raised in private investment.   

The new studio is on the site of former shipyards, and it is hoped that more than 4500 jobs will be created over the next decade.   

Fulwell 73 tweeted about the news, saying “We’re absolutely delighted that the North East’s trailblazer deal announced by the Chancellor in today’s Budget will pave the way for Crown Works Studios in Sunderland to progress. This development will create over 8,450 jobs in the North East, expanding the region’s creative industries and supporting UK Plc, and we are expecting to break ground this summer.  

Image via Fulwell 73.