Council has offered an unexpected new permanent home to Byron Studios

The film company, currently leasing the Alstonville Cultural Centre for two years, had initially planned for a 3.5ha precinct in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate in Ballina.

Byron Studios has been offered an unexpected “forever home” for its Northern Rivers operations: the Tuckombil Quarry site in Alstonville.

Ballina Shire Council approved a motion by councillor Ben Smith on its May 27 meeting, to request a report from staff “on the merits, costs and time frames” to rezone the quarry site and repurpose it as the ongoing location for Byron Studios.

“This report is to examine the benefits of this proposal, including consultation with the key stakeholders, such as Byron Studios, NSW Planning and the current lessees (Boral and Ron Southon) to confirm whether the proposal can be fast tracked to coincide with the termination of the current licence agreement for Byron Studios at the Alstonville Cultural Centre,” Mr Smith said in his motion.

The idea, brought in by the council staff and Mr Smith, was hailed as “excellent creative thinking” by Mayor David Wright and other councillors.

In March, Byron Studios took a two-year lease of the Alstonville Cultural Centre, but the council has been working with Byron Studios on a long-term strategy, to provide certainty for both the community and the studios.

The strategy could coincide with the exit of the current lessees, as the Boral lease at Gap Road is due to expire in December 2024.

“There may even be opportunities to encourage an earlier vacation of the site by the existing lessees, or possibly co-location until the leases expire,” Mr Smith added in his motion.

The Tuckombil Quarry in Alstonville.

Byron Studios were previously planning on purchasing 3.5ha in a future land release at the Southern Cross Industrial Estate in Ballina, near the airport.

The film company then requested a 7ha site, which was impossible to accommodate in the industrial estate, so council suggested looking into staying in Alstonville, at the quarry site.

Mark Holden, founder and director of Byron Studios, said the company is keen on discussing the idea.

“Byron Studios has been talking with Ballina Council for about four years now about a home of us in the Ballina Shire,” he said.

“We are committed to partnering with council to make our home here, and we are excited about the prospect of exploring the Tuckombil Quarry site.

“I think it has a lot to offer.”

Mr Holden said the studio is committed to growing the film and TV production industry in the Northern Rivers region, and bring more jobs across a wide range of areas.

“We are also committed to collaborating with the film/TV industry to provide educational opportunities and future jobs for our young people,” he said.

“This is a very timely and exciting opportunity for Ballina Shire Council and the Northern Rivers region.”

Byron Studios also has filming sets in the Byron Industrial Estate.