BYD reveals plans for huge new Gold Coast showroom complex in major Southport expansion

A major new electric car showroom is set to transform a key Southport corner as developers target the Gold Coast's booming commercial property market.

An electric car showroom is set to be dramatically expanded under fresh plans before Council.

Southport’s BYD building, on the corner of Smith and George streets, is earmarked to become a modern car showroom and service centre.

The new complex will be built across three separate neighbouring parcels of land, with a new showroom, service centre, multiple car-washing bays and a storage carpark.

The existing building will be demolished to make way for the new complex, which has been put forward by NGP Investments.

A planning report on the project reveals it will have a 686sq m building, with a 257sq m outdoor sales area.

Artist impression of a proposed BYD showroom in Southport

“The proposed showroom building presents a contemporary architectural design featuring BYD’s signature grey and white colour palette consistent with corporate branding,” the report reads.

“The structure is designed with a high visual presence along Smith St, incorporating large glazed panels, fascia signage, and an integrated pylon sign to enhance brand visibility.”

It will feature a display area with space for up to eight vehicles, a customer lounge, coffee area and offices, as well as a service area including a “repair workshop with hoists, spare parts warehouse, service reception, customer lounge, and gender-separated amenities”.

The building will also include three electric charging ports for demonstrations.

It is the latest in a series of showrooms proposed for Southport.

Autosports Group in September snapped up a 8785sq m site, which fronts both Nerang and Suter streets, from owner Lvjian Australia Investment with plans for a Mercedes dealership.

Volvo Australia took up a tenancy at a Ferry Rd complex which has long been home to a Bentley and Maserati dealership

Artist impression of a proposed BYD showroom in Southport

STATE OF COAST’S COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET

The Gold Coast commercial property market has had its strongest year since its post-Covid peak, with new data revealing significant value increases.

While the value of commercial property deals in northern NSW plummeted by more than $30m in 12 months, the Gold Coast experienced growth driven by “insatiable demand”, according to new research by Colliers.

It found there had been a 30.8 per cent increase in property prices in the fast-growing Yatala Enterprise Area.

Colliers industrial director Daniel Coburn said Yatala’s growth was the second highest in the nation behind Brisbane.

An aerial of the Yatala Enterprise Area

“The Gold Coast industrial market has made huge strides on all levels over the past year, supported by strong demand and business confidence in the region,” he said.

“The pace of growth and the quality of businesses relocating into the area, including the new $500m Visy glass recycling facility currently under construction, positions Yatala as the undisputed engine room of the Gold Coast economy and that’s reflected in the price growth in the city’s largest industrial precinct.”

Visy signed an agreement with Gold Coast City Council earlier this month to develop a new Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC).

Mayor Tom Tate said the project would be central to the city’s economy in the future.

“ARRC will be the heart of a new circular economy for our city and our region and, by partnering with Visy, we are building an Australian-first innovation precinct that keeps valuable materials in circulation, creates new industry and unlocks the jobs of tomorrow,” he said.

Aerial view of the ARRC organics plant to be owned and operated by the Gold Coast City Council.

“For our community, this is about moving beyond landfill and creating a greener, smarter and more sustainable future.”

Council is also set to build a film studio in the city’s far north with Shadowbox Studios.

Colliers research associate director Pragya Sharma said the film industry was part of the area’s diversification.

“While the screen precinct is supporting economic growth and attracting new industries, this is also placing growing pressure on the limited supply of industrial land, as zoned industrial areas are being repurposed for other uses,” she said.

“Beyond Yatala, across the wider Gold Coast, supply remains tight. Most new developments are strata-titled buildings, which appeal to both owner occupiers and investors.

“The demand for well designed, flexible industrial spaces is attracting new buyers, including first-time investors moving from residential property in search of higher returns and greater diversification.”

Colliers’ Marlon Crawford said the area was expected to maintain consistent growth in coming years.

“Queensland’s economy is forecast to grow faster than most other states from 2026, supported by strong industrial production that will continue to drive industrial demand across the state,” he said.

“We’re expecting this level of growth to continue for at least the near term in the lead-up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.”

Originally published as BYD reveals plans for huge new Gold Coast showroom complex in major Southport expansion