Shadowbox Studios facility and investment on Australia’s Gold Coast wins green light

An impression of how the proposed new Gold Coast studio precinct will look

Australia’s evolving Gold Coast screen sector has been bolstered by re-zoning approvals that effectively greenlight a new studio facility and investment in infrastructure over 51 hectares.

The Gold Coast Screen Industry Precinct in Yatala, Queensland will feature a large studio space, sound stages, training and education facilities and short-term accommodation. The aim is to attract domestic and international production companies as well as providing boutique production facilities.

The greenfield site, mid-way between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, will be developed by global studio operator Shadowbox Studios. The proposal is for up to 10 sound stages, workshops, office spaces, a backlot and training facilities on the city-owned site.

Shadowbox will begin the two-phase development by building up to six sound stages, workshop, an office building, backlot and outdoor filming space expected to be operational in 2028. The second phase, subject to market demand, could include another four sound stages, a workshop and office space.

The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs during construction and 3,400 direct and indirect jobs once both phases are operational. The developers have forecast that the new film studio could contribute about A$195m (US$130m) to the Australian economy each year once complete.

Jarrod Bleijie, Queensland’s deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning, said the new development sent a clear message to the domestic and international screen industry that the state is open for business.

“The Gold Coast is the centre of Queensland’s screen production success, recognised globally for its world-class production facilities and huge network of skilled screen workers,” Bleijie said.

The finalisation of the re-zoning decision followed a two-part public consultation process.

“The planning scheme amendment enables the City of Gold Coast to advance its competitiveness as a production centre by creating 51.6 hectares of dedicated film industry space. The re-zoning also paves the way for the Gold Coast Screen Industry Precinct, which is tipped to become Australia’s most advanced studio and production precinct,” he said.