Labour Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged Jeremy Hunt to “look seriously” at backing plans for a major new film studio that could bring thousands of jobs to the North East.

The firm behind the proposed Crown Works Studios in Sunderland has pleaded with the Government to commit to financially backing the huge project to ensure it can become a reality.

Film company Fulwell 73, creators of the acclaimed Netflix football documentary Sunderland ‘Til I Die, has raised £450m from backers but says that the Tory Chancellor must offer extra support in his budget next month to keep the scheme on track.

The Northern Echo: Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Cummins Engine Plant in Darlington to discuss jobs, manufacturing and Labour’s plan for the North East.Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves visits Cummins Engine Plant in Darlington to discuss jobs, manufacturing and Labour’s plan for the North East. (Image: LDR)

Speaking on a visit to the region on Friday, Ms Reeves said the scheme was “really exciting” and deserved Mr Hunt’s attention.

However, she refused to commit to a future Labour government investing into the riverside studio, which would be located in Pallion, without having had the opportunity to examine its finances.

She said: “It is really exciting. Sunderland is already doing great things in terms of film production and this could be another source of good jobs and also pride in Sunderland. I would like the Chancellor to look seriously at these proposals, see what money you can leverage in from private sector investment as well, and it is something I would look seriously at.

“I am not going to make any commitments to spend money without being able to see the books myself, but I know it is an exciting project and Kim [McGuinness, Labour’s North East mayor candidate] will be lobbying hard whoever is Chancellor – whether it is myself or the current one.”

The Northern Echo, The Newcastle Chronicle, The Journal, the Sunderland Echo, and the Shields Gazette joined forces on Thursday to urge Mr Hunt to support the Crown Works Studios.

The Northern Echo: Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Politicians, business leaders and cultural groups from around the North East have also thrown their weight behind the plans.

It is hoped that the development, which would involve the creation of up to 20 sound stages for use in blockbuster film and TV productions, would create 8,450 jobs over the coming years and deliver an estimated £336m annual boost to the North East economy.

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Mr Hunt has previously said he has had “very good discussions” with the scheme’s backers.

But Fulwell 73 warned this week: “The stakes are high – if a deal cannot be agreed and projects such as Crown Works Studios cannot go ahead then Hungary, France and many other countries stand ready to seize this industry and the jobs and growth will take place elsewhere.

“The clock is ticking and what is a great British success strategy could become a big missed opportunity.”