26 May 2026

The City of Gold Coast has called for Expressions of Interest from innovative development partners to help bring the Miami Arts Depot precinct to life.

Led by Invest Gold Coast in collaboration with internationally renowned Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, the Expression of Interest (EOI) invites experienced development, investment and creative industry partners to help realise the vision for the City of Gold Coast’s former Miami Depot site as a globally connected, mixed-use creative industries destination.

The 40,000 square metre precinct is planned to bring together screen production, visual effects, gaming, technology and innovation industries alongside residential, retail, hospitality and community use.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the release of the EOI marked a major milestone for one of the city’s most significant urban renewal projects.

“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.

“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.

“The project will build on the Gold Coast’s internationally recognised screen production sector and growing digital and creative economy which is underpinned by a strong education pipeline, ensuring local talent can grow, stay and thrive as the sector continues to expand.’

Production company Bazmark will be an anchor tenant at Miami Arts Depot (MAD) and has been engaged by the City of Gold Coast as the project’s creative and visionary partner.

Internationally acclaimed film director Baz 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.”

MAD is forecast to generate $130 million a year in economic activity while supporting 1,000 new jobs, particularly in digital creativity and technology.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the EOI would test market appetite and identify a partner capable of delivering a world-class mixed-use precinct with strong creative industry credentials, that is still uniquely Gold Coast

“This is a rare opportunity to participate in a city-shaping project on one of the Gold Coast’s most strategically located beachside urban renewal sites,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We are seeking development partners who understand how architecture, culture, technology and community can come together to create something truly enduring and successful with strong commercial outcomes.”

The EOI release closely follows Council endorsing a funding deal with international operator Shadowbox Studios on the new Yatala complex which will double production capacity on the Gold Coast.

The EOI process will seek proposals from organisations with expertise across large-scale mixed-use development, investment precinct delivery and creative industry integration.

EOI submissions will close on 31 July, with shortlisted proponents to progress through a detailed market process before a preferred development partner is selected in mid-2027.

For more information on the Expression of Interest visit Miami Arts Depot