Councillors have today given the go-ahead to plans to create a multi-million pound film studio in East Durham.
District of Easington Council has resolved to approve an application to create a £300million Centre for Creative Excellence and film studio on land at Dawdon, south of Seaham.
Coolmore Estates, a consortium of investors and developers, are behind the bid which could bring up to 2,400 new jobs to the area.
Alan Napier, Leader of District of Easington Council, said: “This is an exciting venture not only for the district but the region as a whole.
“It will not only put the spotlight on East Durham as a location for national and international film making, but most importantly, bring a significant level of investment to the area with the employment benefits to the area and beyond being considerable.”
The complex is to be based on a 72-hectare site, east of the A19 and near the A182 link road.
As well as a film studio, the proposal includes a 150 bed four-star hotel, a smaller business hotel, parklands, and a campus for 1,500 to 2,000 students which would be linked to the University of Sunderland and East Durham and Houghall Community College.
The university’s facilities would comprise a specialist centre for higher education to deliver a range of film and TV production and broadcasting programmes to develop national and international skills, and will complement existing undergraduate courses.
East Durham and Houghall Community College at Peterlee would provide entry level to foundation degree courses linked to the film industry for 14 to 16-year-olds and upwards.
Philip Moross, chairman, Coolmore Estates, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome. Our proposal has been met with overwhelming support throughout the consultation process. The council’s decision will enable the detailed implementation work to begin.
“I would like to give my thanks to Janet Johnson, chief executive, and Councillor Alan Napier, leader of District of Easington Council, and Stewart Watkins, managing director of County Durham Development Company, for their strong leadership in ensuring our proposal was secured for the region,” he added.
The application will now be referred to Government Office North East for final consideration.