The Gold Coast is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in its creative and economic growth, with plans to transform the Miami Depot site into a vibrant creative industries precinct. This project, backed by the City of Gold Coast and the strategic expertise of legendary local filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his production company Bazmark, promises to bolster the region’s booming screen and creative industries.
Councillors recently voted in favour of repurposing the surplus Miami Depot site to establish a creative industries hub. The precinct will host a dynamic mix of industries, including tech, visual effects, gaming, screen production, innovation, retail, and residential uses.
A Booming Industry and a Bright Future
The Gold Coast’s screen industry already generates over $571 million annually for the local economy and supports nearly 4,832 jobs. Mayor Tom Tate believes the new precinct will take this success to the next level.
“We recognise there are constraints with a lack of production infrastructure on the Gold Coast. Further growth to expand studio space and supporting infrastructure and capability for the screen industry is crucial,” said Mayor Tate. “The Miami depot site is well-placed to provide opportunities for the community as our local screen industry continues to flourish.”
With Baz Luhrmann and Bazmark advising on the project, the City has a golden opportunity to attract further investment and create thousands of jobs. Bazmark recently relocated its global head office to the Gold Coast, with a robust pipeline of major productions planned. Over the next five years, these projects are expected to inject an estimated $740 million into the local economy and create approximately 8,700 jobs.
Baz Luhrmann’s Vision for the Precinct
Baz Luhrmann expressed his enthusiasm for the Miami Depot transformation and the role Bazmark will play in shaping the precinct.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the Gold Coast is the perfect environment to further develop a filmmaking culture that stimulates local business and involves the whole community in the process,” Luhrmann said. “Our goal is not only to continue to make our own productions here, but to create world-class facilities for film post-production, visual effects, game design, and other tech that Bazmark can enthusiastically promote around the globe.”
Investing in Local Creativity
The City’s commitment to the project aligns with broader efforts to foster the Gold Coast’s creative and tech sectors. Over the past decade, creative and performance arts have steadily increased their contribution to the local economy, with a reported $88 million annual impact as of 2023.
The precinct is part of a larger growth trajectory for the Gold Coast’s screen industry, following the announcement of Shadowbox Studios as the preferred developer for a state-of-the-art production facility at Yatala. These initiatives collectively aim to address infrastructure constraints, encourage innovation, and cement the region’s reputation as a creative powerhouse.
Next Steps for the Miami Depot Transformation
The City has tasked Invest Gold Coast with preparing a detailed implementation paper and draft plan for the precinct. This will include consultation with the community and the Queensland Government to ensure a collaborative and sustainable approach.
As the Miami Depot site prepares to evolve into a hub of creativity, the vision for the Gold Coast as a global destination for film, tech, and innovation becomes clearer. With Baz Luhrmann and Bazmark’s leadership, the precinct is set to elevate the local creative industries and deliver lasting economic and cultural benefits.
