The City has revealed a first glimpse of a planned arts district “unprecedented in the world” which is estimated will generate $130m each year in economic activity.
Renders of what is being for planned for the proposed Miami Arts District have revealed a unique green and water-themed precinct surrounded by rustic, low-level high rises.
The Bulletin has obtained early artist impressions of the site showing a handful of buildings, about 10 storeys in height on podiums.
Most of the 40,000 sqm site is devoted to open space, featuring fountains and large plazas.
The renders, which suggest what might be created in the 40,000sq m site, have been released as council launches an expressions of interest (EOI) campaign.
The City had earlier squashed speculation that 30-level towers would be built on the old council depot site.
Council entity Invest Gold Coast is leading the EOI, partnering with Oscar-winning production couple Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.
MAD will be a future base for screen production, visual effects, gaming, technology and innovation industries alongside residential, retail, hospitality and community use.
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,” he 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.”
Mr Tate said MAD ensured local talent could “stay and thrive” in the growing film sector.
Production company Bazmark, owned and operated by Mr Luhrmann and Ms Martin, is an anchor tenant and engaged by the City as the project’s creative and visionary partner.
Mr Luhrmann said MAD 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.”
The Elvis director likened MAD to building a huge fish tank.
“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,” he said.
“As the community flows through new public spaces, cafes 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 $130m a year in economic activity supporting 1000 jobs.
Invest Gold Coast chair Will Hodgman said the EOI would identify a partner capable of delivering a world-class mixed-use precinct with strong creative industry credentials.
The EOI release follows council endorsing a funding deal with international operator Shadowbox Studios on the new Yatala complex, which will double production capacity.
The EOI process will close on July 31 with short-listed proponents to progress through a detailed market process before a preferred development partner is selected in mid-2027.
The launch of the EOI occurs as State MP Ray Stevens seeks feedback on MAD.
In a recent Facebook post, Mr Stevens said told residents that MAD was widely canvassed as an entertainment facility however to achieve that outcome it could see “multiple high-rise buildings of 30 stories (sic) and upwards”.
Councillor Nick Marshall described the commentary as “outrageous” denying that the council was planning 30-level towers.
Originally Published in the Gold Coast Bulletin by Property Journalist, Paul Weston. View online article HERE.