8 September 2025

Miami Arts Deport premieres at Toronto International Film Festival

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has enlisted internationally acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann to launch the Miami Arts Depot to global industry leaders at the Toronto International Film Festival today.

The high profile mission will see Mr Luhrmann brief Hollywood heavyweights and international film czars on opportunities to invest in and partner with the City on the landmark project set to power the Gold Coast’s next era of creative and economic growth.

What began as Baz and his team’s vision presented to the Mayor for a bold new creative industries precinct has evolved into a deep collaboration with the City, with Baz’s company, Bazmark, committing its creative and industry expertise to bring the Miami Arts Depot project to life.

Mayor Tate said the Miami Arts Depot would become a centre for post-production, visual effects, gaming, and screen – building on the Gold Coast’s global reputation as a film and production destination. It would also integrate this exciting industry into the local community, introducing a new neighbourhood hub for Gold Coasters in the heart of Miami.

“The Gold Coast has always been Australia’s home of blockbuster filmmaking and now we’re taking it to the next level,” Mayor Tate said.

“As a priority project for the City, it will expand the city’s capacity in pre- and post-production and other digital arts, create new jobs and cement our status as a magnet for the global screen industry.

“With Baz leading the pitch in Toronto, the Gold Coast is setting the stage for partners who share our ambition for a world leading creative space.”

Transforming the former 40,000 square metre Council depot site at Miami, the precinct will honour Miami’s vibrant village character while bringing together creative workspaces, residential and retail offerings, vibrant hospitality venues, community and arts facilities, and inviting public areas. 

Mr Luhrmann said the Miami Arts Depot would be a vibrant, welcoming community where people live, collaborate and create.

“Our vision is for a cathedral of creativity where bold ideas flourish and innovation takes root,” he said. 

“The Miami Arts Depot will hum with energy, invention and community – a true town square alive with people, stories and possibility.

“I see a place where an international producer can develop a blockbuster alongside an emerging Gold Coast artist creating their first project – a precinct designed to foster collaboration, attract investment, and ensure the Gold Coast becomes a destination where creativity at every level can thrive.”

Mr Luhrmann said the City of Gold Coast was seeking local and global partners to deliver the iconic project.

“The Gold Coast has been part of my creative journey for decades. From Australia to Elvis, I’ve seen first hand its talent, locations, and world class production capability,” he said.

“Bazmark’s global headquarters and creative team already works from a humble corner of the Miami Depot where we are sketching out a future for the site that will bring in the finest designers and developers to create a new innovative space and legacy architecture for the Gold Coast.

“We want to honour Miami Depot’s bones – steel, concrete and grit – but elevate it into something timeless as a stage for generations of artistic endeavour.”

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said a formal market approach would begin later this year.

“The Miami Arts Depot is expected to inject up to $80 million a year and support hundreds of jobs across the creative, technology and screen industries, driving long term employment opportunities across the Gold Coast,” Mr Hodgman said.

“By combining world class infrastructure with lifestyle and community, we’re creating a precinct to attract top tier global players while nurturing homegrown talent.

“We will soon approach the global market to invite partners to join us in delivering this transformational project for our city.”

About Invest Gold Coast:

Invest Gold Coast Pty Ltd is an investment and economic development organisation established by the City of Gold Coast to facilitate growth and increase investment into the Gold Coast, Australia’s fastest growing city.