A former council depot is about to become Australia’s answer to Hollywood.
The City of Gold Coast has today officially launched its global search for a development partner to bring the highly anticipated Miami Arts Depot to life.
In a blockbuster collaboration with Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann and designer Catherine Martin, Invest Gold Coast has opened Expressions of Interest to transform the 40,000-square-metre industrial site into a world-class, mixed-use creative industries precinct.
The project will see Luhrmann’s production company, Bazmark, step in as the anchor tenant and creative driving force.
The planned coastal hub is set to blend high-tech screen production, gaming, and visual effects studios with trendy residential, retail, and hospitality spaces.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate declared the expressions of interest release a “defining milestone” for the city’s urban landscape.
“We are now inviting the market to help shape a project that has the potential to redefine the way we develop and foster creative industries in Australia,” Mayor Tate said.
“Miami Arts Depot is about much more than buildings. It is about creating a place where ideas, technology, talent and community come together in a uniquely Gold Coast way”.
Mayor Tate said the precinct will capitalise on the Gold Coast’s existing reputation as a film production powerhouse, creating an ecosystem where homegrown talent can stay, work, and thrive.
“We are looking for partners with the capability, creativity and ambition to help deliver a precinct that drive jobs, investment and long-term economic growth while also creating an exciting
destination for residents and visitors,” he said.
PHOTO: Baz Luhrmann | Supplied
Luhrmann said the project presented a unique opportunity to establish a global production hub grounded in local identity and culture.
“MAD is nestled within the vibrant Miami area and sits alongside Pizzey Park, where any person of any age and background can access any form of sport. That’s exactly what MAD is, for
creativity,” Mr Luhrmann said.
“It will be a facility where the conception and development of ideas across film, technology and various arts disciplines can flourish.
“Through state-of-the-art post-production facilities, it will also become a world class destination for film productions to do their finishing work, adding a very valuable piece of the industry’s economy that we have been largely missing from our city.
“Like an aquarium, where every kind of fish swims together to create a truly unique environment, the creative potential of MAD goes hand-in-hand with its role as a community hive.
“As the community flows through new public spaces, cafés and shops, they also can discover new opportunities in arts and tech and actively participate in the growth of the creative industries on the Gold Coast.
“This precinct will not just be unprecedented in Australia, but unprecedented in the world.”
Once fully operational, MAD is forecast to pump $130 million annually into the local economy and unlock 1,000 new jobs in the booming digital and tech sectors.
Potential developers have until 31 July to submit their proposals for the landmark site.
A shortlisting process will follow, with the city expected to select its preferred master development partner by mid-2027.
