Central Coast enters race for Sydney's next film studio with $230m plan

A 30-hectare site south of Gosford has emerged as a potential new home for Sydney's screen and television sector, one week after the NSW government put $100 million on the table to begin the hunt for the city's second film studio.
Along with inner city Redfern, Oran Park and Silverwater in the west, it brings to four the number of locations vying to house much-needed new sound stages and screen production facilities for Australia's gateway screen capital.
The proposed Central Coast site lies one kilometre off the M1 Motorway, on cleared land currently used as an equine facility. It sits beside Glenworth Valley, where Disney, lessee of nine studios at Moore Park, filmed outdoor scenes for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Central Coast Studios Pty Ltd directors Heath Bonnefin and Craig Giles lodged initial plans for their complex with the NSW Department of Planning in February and are seeking state-significant development status.
As a working screenwriter and assistant director, Giles said he had seen first-hand the demand for purpose-built production infrastructure in NSW, particularly within Greater Sydney.
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'This facility has the potential to draw major international productions back to NSW – productions that are already choosing Queensland or Victoria because the infrastructure and incentives are better,' he said.
'This precinct is about fixing that gap and unlocking a new era for the state's screen sector.'
A call-out for expressions of interest in the government's $100 million investment is expected to occur in coming months, as the location, demand and optimal spread of screen facilities are further refined.

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The Age

7 hours ago

• The Age

Central Coast enters race for Sydney's next film studio with $230m plan

A 30-hectare site south of Gosford has emerged as a potential new home for Sydney's screen and television sector, one week after the NSW government put $100 million on the table to begin the hunt for the city's second film studio. Along with inner city Redfern, Oran Park and Silverwater in the west, it brings to four the number of locations vying to house much-needed new sound stages and screen production facilities for Australia's gateway screen capital. The proposed Central Coast site lies one kilometre off the M1 Motorway, on cleared land currently used as an equine facility. It sits beside Glenworth Valley, where Disney, lessee of nine studios at Moore Park, filmed outdoor scenes for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Central Coast Studios Pty Ltd directors Heath Bonnefin and Craig Giles lodged initial plans for their complex with the NSW Department of Planning in February and are seeking state-significant development status. As a working screenwriter and assistant director, Giles said he had seen first-hand the demand for purpose-built production infrastructure in NSW, particularly within Greater Sydney. Loading 'This facility has the potential to draw major international productions back to NSW – productions that are already choosing Queensland or Victoria because the infrastructure and incentives are better,' he said. 'This precinct is about fixing that gap and unlocking a new era for the state's screen sector.' A call-out for expressions of interest in the government's $100 million investment is expected to occur in coming months, as the location, demand and optimal spread of screen facilities are further refined.

Sydney Morning Herald

7 hours ago

• Sydney Morning Herald

Central Coast enters race for Sydney's next film studio with $230m plan

A 30-hectare site south of Gosford has emerged as a potential new home for Sydney's screen and television sector, one week after the NSW government put $100 million on the table to begin the hunt for the city's second film studio. Along with inner city Redfern, Oran Park and Silverwater in the west, it brings to four the number of locations vying to house much-needed new sound stages and screen production facilities for Australia's gateway screen capital. The proposed Central Coast site lies one kilometre off the M1 Motorway, on cleared land currently used as an equine facility. It sits beside Glenworth Valley, where Disney, lessee of nine studios at Moore Park, filmed outdoor scenes for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Central Coast Studios Pty Ltd directors Heath Bonnefin and Craig Giles lodged initial plans for their complex with the NSW Department of Planning in February and are seeking state-significant development status. As a working screenwriter and assistant director, Giles said he had seen first-hand the demand for purpose-built production infrastructure in NSW, particularly within Greater Sydney. Loading 'This facility has the potential to draw major international productions back to NSW – productions that are already choosing Queensland or Victoria because the infrastructure and incentives are better,' he said. 'This precinct is about fixing that gap and unlocking a new era for the state's screen sector.' A call-out for expressions of interest in the government's $100 million investment is expected to occur in coming months, as the location, demand and optimal spread of screen facilities are further refined.

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