Gold Coast City Council enters detailed negotiations on lease for northern film studios

The promise of the Gold Coast becoming the “Hollywood of the South Pacific” has become closer with the City signing a huge studio deal for a major block of land. See the full plans

The promise of the Gold Coast becoming the “Hollywood of the South Pacific” is closer with the City signing a huge studio deal for a giant block of northern land.

Gold Coast City Council has identified Shadowbox Studios as their preferred supplier in a tender process. The proponent will have to put in a development application.

A City statement on Friday said negotiations would start with the international company for use of council-owned land at 396 Stanmore Rd, Yatala.

Renders for the new film studio at Yatala in the city's north. Picture: supplied

The arrangement comprises a development lease to permit Shadowbox Studios to develop a 22ha site followed by a long-term operational lease, according to council.

Mayor Tom Tate said the new film studio – expected to contributed $195m to the economy annually once complete – would cement the Gold Coast as one of the most sought-after filming destinations in Australia.

“It is vital we work to support the continued growth of the screen industry, creating jobs for our families and boosting our regional and visitor economies,” Mr Tate said.

Renders for the new film studio at Yatala in the city's north. Picture: supplied

“Here on the Gold Coast, we have put in the hard yards to make our city a place filmmakers want to come while also supporting and growing local skills.

“This is the gamechanger we need.”

Shadowbox Studios CEO Peter Rumbold said the company was “thrilled” to expand to the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast screen industry project. This is the site at Yatala.

“As the local screen industry continues to grow, Shadowbox looks forward to hosting first-class film and television productions and fostering substantial job creation for the region through our studio-run, industry-certified crew training program,” he said.

Proposal Phase 1 includes up to six sound stages with a workshop, office building, backlot, and outdoor filming space expected to be operational in 2028.

A future expansion – in response to market demand – could include four more sound stages, a workshop and an office space.

The project is expected to generate more than 1000 jobs during construction and 3400 direct and indirect jobs once both phases are operational.

A private briefing to councillors in November last year detailed outcomes of extensive market engagement with national and international film studios, global real estate developers, and government officers.

Almost 80 targeted stakeholders have been alerted to an 85ha site at Stanmore Road in Yatala, viewed as the best commercial land between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Officers reached out to 36 operators in Australia, 35 in the United States and Canada plus five in the United Kingdom.

The Gold Coast screen industry project. This is what can happen with the Yatala site.

The Expression of Interest opportunity opened in March this year and was extended. Parts of a confidential City report were open to the public as an update.

Proponents were asked to provide plans on current and future post production and virtual production capabilities, along with industry skills training partnerships and programs.

The City’s chief investment officer and a screen industry adviser held 35 meetings in Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles with screen industry representatives to encourage expressions of interest.

Officers said stakeholders were “keen to be kept updated on the progress” of the project.

Three submissions were received with one ruled out early as the remaining two advanced through to the next stage. Councillors backed a full tender process.

The council announced it would enter into a lease arrangement with the successful tender.

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