Central Coast Studios lodge scoping report for $230m film, TV and gaming production precinct at Calga
A horse paddock on the Central Coast will be the “next big wave in global cinema” if an ambitious $230m plan to create a studio complex for TV, film and gaming production gets a green light.
Central Coast
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Forget Fox Sydney, Docklands Melbourne or Village Roadshow on the Gold Coast — the Central Coast will be Australia’s answer to Hollywood if ambitious plans for a $230m film studio precinct gets the nod.
Central Coast Studios has lodged a scoping report with NSW Planning for a purpose-built, 20ha greenfield site at 49 Jones Rd, Calga.
The impressive pitch would see a sprawling film, education and accommodation precinct just down the road from the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Glenworth Valley and Saddles Restaurant designed to attract international blockbusters, TV series and digital games.
“Central Coast Studios will be a state-of-the-art hub for television, film and gaming production in NSW that will be built on what could become the most innovative education precinct in Australia,” according to the scoping report.
“The proposed cutting-edge complex will offer a dynamic experience with multipurpose performance spaces, diverse dining options, and retail shops within a world-leading entertainment precinct. Beyond its creative and educational pursuits, the proposed development will play a vital role in local economic development.”
The plans are based around two main clusters, one for content production and the other for tourism and recreation, with the report stating the project already has in-principle agreement with a major accommodation chain to build a 180-room hotel.
It would also feature the country’s only external “wet studio tank” to film underwater scenes, a childcare centre and 1000-seat auditorium for live performances, musical theatre and opera.
“By establishing a major creative industry hub, Central Coast Studios will attract film production companies, media professionals, and associated businesses to the Central Coast, generating employment and fostering skills development in the region,” the scoping report states.
“This investment will drive economic growth and resilience by introducing new industries and career pathways while complementing existing rural enterprises.”
The project anticipates it could generate 4000 jobs as well as tapping into the $466 billion global digital game development industry.
The largely flat site currently houses a horse training facility comprising of a single-storey homestead, cottage and stables with ancillary sheds, fences and farm dams.
The land is zoned RU1 Primary Production which permits farming, recreation, education and private helipads, but prohibits high technology and creative industry such as sound stages, film production, tourism, retail or warehousing.
“While it is acknowledged that some of the land uses described above are prohibited in the RU1 zone, they are not out of character or inconsistent with approved development on neighbouring land, which allow activities such as recreation facilities, food and beverage premises, retail premises and tourist and visitor accommodation,” the scoping report states.
The report will be used by NSW Planning to establish a set of parameters, known as the secretary’s environmental assessment requirements (SEARs), that the proponent will have to address in order to move the project beyond the first stage in the approval process.
Central Coast Studios directors Heath Bonnefin and Craig Giles decribed the proposal as a “game changer”.
“Our vision for Central Coast Studios is to put our beautiful region on the map – globally – as a leading destination for film, television and gaming production,” they said in a statement to this masthead.
“The proposed studios precinct will not only create hundreds of professional roles in film, television and gaming here on the coast, but will create a host of new opportunities across tourism, education and small business while future-proofing and showcasing Greater Sydney.
“For us, this is a game-changing investment in the coast’s creative and economic future.”
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