"State-of-the-art” Sunderland film studios could create over 1,000 new jobs

Plans that could pave the way for Pallion Shipyard to be transformed into “state-of-the-art” film studios have been submitted to Sunderland City Council.

Pallion Engineering has made an application to the local authority for the regeneration and transformation of its substantial land holdings on the River Wear to create a complex with the potential to create “over a thousand” new jobs.

This proposal will see the development of upwards of 500,000 sq ft of creative space, retaining the existing mega-structures, which will include the largest covered ‘water studio’ in the world. Plans for Pallion Shipyard Studios are being led by Metalwork Pictures USA, Broadwick Live, Pallion Engineering and Kajima Corporation of Japan.

Andrew Levitas of Metalwork Pictures, commented: “With rapidly growing demand for world class production space, huge local investment, and historically unique infrastructure, Pallion Film Shipyard Studios is singularly positioned to deliver as the premiere production destination globally.

“This visionary facility for creators and producers alike will offer an overwhelmingly positive impact on the Sunderland community and surrounding areas. An area of particular focus is the creation of a deeply rooted education and mentorship program which both benefits from as well as serves the content creating community. This is hugely exciting”.

The re-industrialisation vision of the project will see the integration of Pallion Shipyard Studios at the heart of the existing Riverside regeneration proposals to create a New Vibrant Creative Quarter.

The proposals will support the creative ambitions being explored by Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and North East Screen, to position the city and North East region to capitalise on the growing opportunities presented by film and media.

Plans are said to fit with the levelling up agenda being shared with Government, and have the potential to create new long-term sustainable employment utilising Sunderland’s historic fabrication and traditional trade skills as well as those in the creative field.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, remarked: “We welcome the owners’ ambition for retaining and reusing this significant building and are supportive of this emerging sector within the city - which represents a significant opportunity for the North East.”

Plans for Pallion Engineering’s estates would see existing structures re-used and repaired, and a refurbishment of the company’s distinctive super-structure carried out to reduce the development’s carbon impact.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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