Mainline Drive-In site looks to a new life

The former Mainline Drive-In site at Gepps Cross will be redeveloped – but what sort of industries will be eyeing the mammoth block?

The former Gepps Cross drive-in is available for precommitments.

The former Mainline Drive-In site at Gepps Cross is set to be developed, with Cushman & Wakefield and Leedwell launching a precommitment leasing campaign on behalf of Commercial & General.

The site was home to Adelaide’s last suburban drive-in, which was owned by the Wallis family until they decided to close it, with the last films airing in February.

Brand manager Deanna Wallis said at the time that they fought hard to keep it open, but various issues, including the pandemic, eventually led to the drive-in being shuttered.

The drive-in opened in 1955, with bumper audiences right through to the 1970s – before the onset of VCRs and, more recently, online services such as Netflix contributed to a decline in numbers.

On a good night in its final days, the Mainline Drive-in would host 300-400 cars, but on quiet nights fewer than 100. This was down from about 800 in its heyday.

Hamish Crouch of Cushman & Wakefield, who sold the Gepps Cross property off-market in December last year, said it should receive strong interest.

“The gateway site offers unmatched connectivity for potential occupiers, with access via Adelaide’s major north-south and east-west connectors providing immediate proximity to the CBD, Port Adelaide, Airport & northern industrial precincts,” Mr Crouch said.

“The estate will provide ‘build to spec’ solutions for a range of logistics, defence, and high-tech occupiers. Building sizes from 2500sq m to 20,000sq m will be available.”

Steve Smith of Leedwell said Commercial & General was “a reputable development company with a proven track record of delivering high class industrial, logistics and defence facilities throughout Adelaide for groups such as Raytheon, Siemens, Telstra, Toyota and Cameron’s Interstate.

“Gepps Cross is a first-class location and will no doubt attract quality tenants.

“A surge in occupier demand and a shortage of existing leasing stock continues to stimulate development across the Adelaide industrial market.

“Commercial & General are actively working to provide ‘best in class’ solutions to satisfy the demand, acquiring 25-plus ha of development land over the past 12 months.’’