5 million for Crown Works studios in Sunderland. Both developments are being scaled back from what was previously envisioned. The Gateshead Quays arena project will have 12,500-15,000 seats and is meant to replace Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
The Gateshead Quays plans originally included an international grade conference centre, which is being dropped. North East Combined Authority officials said the latest planned works would create a stand-alone platform for a new arena, an open-air performance square, and an urban park. The investment has been described as a significant turning point to derisk the project and make it more commercially viable.
Construction on Crown Works studios should start this summer and be completed by the end of 2027. Crown Works studios were originally imagined as a £450 million complex with 19 sound stages and 8,000 jobs. After financiers Cain International withdrew last year, Crown Works studios are now expected to be limited to two studios initially.
Crown Works studios will include one super-sized new build for TV shows with a live audience and a refurbishment of the Doxford Printworks building. Bosses announced that phase one of Crown Works aims to build out the site incrementally, with initial investment acting as a catalyst for expansion. 5 million package for Crown Works includes a previously-announced £25 million from the Government in 2024.
It is unknown who the investor-operator for the new Gateshead Quays arena will be, and whether there are any private sector commitments for expanding Crown Works studios beyond phase one.