Durham film studio plans approved

May 9 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

Councillors have 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 £300m 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.

Council leader Alan Napier 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.