Cairns film studio: Screen Queensland and CQU ready for former Bunnings redevelopment

A major university is already ahead of the pack as a new multimillion-dollar film studio deal triggers big business and education opportunities for Cairns.

SPIN-OFF business opportunities and new education avenues are about to be formed as a wave of film industry symbiosis hits Cairns.

The State Government’s has unveiled a $6.8m plan to open a Screen Queensland studio in a former Bunnings Warehouse in Cairns – but there is more to the story.

CQUniversity Cairns associate vice president Jodie Duignan-George has been sitting on the project implementation group since day dot. CQU will not announce anything yet but is awaiting federal election commitments to build a new $50m campus in the Cairns CBD.

Cox Architecture has developed an artist’s impression of Screen Queensland's new Cairns film studio planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse building at the corner of Spence and Fearnley in Portsmith. Picture: Supplied

If and when assurances are received, it will know what budget it has left to establish a lecture theatre in the new film studio – likely to be co-located in a screening room.

The next generation of Far North film industry specialists will be able to get the whole gamut of training, from writing and producing to set building and even lighting electrical apprenticeships.

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said other tenancies were being considered, including a hair and make-up specialist, casting agency and audio recording facilities – plus ongoing contracts for caterers.

“In the past we’ve attracted productions based entirely on our location,” he said.

The former Bunnings building at the corner of Spence and Fearnley streets is set to be transformed into a film studio. Picture: Emily Barker

“That won’t change. The difference is some will now base their entire production here instead of just part of it.

“Instead of a footprint of several weeks, it might be several months.”

CBRE Cairns managing director Danny Betros, who helped broker the property deal, said it was a huge opportunity for the city.

“People don’t realise how big this is for Cairns. Even D-grade movies employ 200 people,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns film studio: Screen Queensland and CQU ready for former Bunnings redevelopment