$1b Brisbane Airport Auto Mall canned, BAC and AP Eagers to explore alternatives

The “tricky’’ economics of racetracks and the rise of electric vehicles are believed to be behind the shock decision to cancel plans for a $1 billion Brisbane Airport Auto Mall. But there could be an alternative.

Artist’s impression of the canned Brisbane Airport mega car dealership site and test track. Picture: Supplied.

The “tricky’’ economics of racetracks and the rise of electric vehicles are believed to be behind the shock decision to cancel plans for a $1 billion Brisbane Airport Auto Mall.

Brisbane Airport Corporation was now exploring other uses for the massive 51.3ha site, three times the size of South Bank Parklands.

AP Eagers was announced in 2017 as a major tenant.

The facility was to have featured a test track designed by V8 race car legend Mark Skaife, auto dealerships, exhibition and conference activities, an event area, driver training schools and regional offices.

“Brisbane Airport Corporation and Eagers Automotive have worked closely on the development of a multi-purpose automotive retail and experience precinct at Brisbane Airport,’’ they said in a joint statement.

Artist’s impression of the canned Brisbane Airport mega car dealership site and test track. Picture: Supplied.

Aerial view of how the site would have looked. Picture: Supplied.

“A mutual decision has been made to not proceed with the Auto Mall project at Brisbane Airport.

“This decision has been driven by a number of factors, including the economics of a performance track in a changing world.

“Both parties remain open to exploring future opportunities at Brisbane Airport.’’

Brisbane Airport Executive General Manager Commercial, Martin Ryan, stressed BAC was “committed to continuing to develop a multi-purpose precinct which locals and visitors can enjoy in the years to come’’.

“This site is three times larger than South Bank Parklands, so it is important for us to take the time to plan this area right,” he said.

It was believed part of the reason Eagers pulled out was the rise of electric vehicles, with a decision to focus on servicing that emerging market instead.

BAC executive general manager Martin Ryan and head of property development George Delibaltas at the Auto Mall site two years ago. Picture: Tertius Pickard

ASX-listed AP Eagers is Australia’s largest automotive dealership business.

It called in Skaife’s design consultancy, which has been involved in numerous other race tracks including the Bathurst second circuit, now on hold after federal funding was pulled.

The Brisbane circuit was to have featured a skid pan, high-speed straights and off-road areas to facilitate launch events, driver training engineering and corporate days.

The decision comes after the announcement last year of a Parliamentary Friend of Motorsport initiative to boost “smart’’ jobs in motorsports.

The Auto Mall dealer precinct was announced in 2015, with an unknown sum spent since including foundations which could be used in a future development.