A Central Coast Film Production Precinct has been lodged as a State Significant Development for a 20 hectare site at Calga.
The proposal for 49 Jones Rd consists of film production studios, education facilities, workshops and warehouses, tourist and visitor accommodation.
It includes a multi-storey 180-room hotel, parking for more than 700 cars, an entertainment quarter for cafes, restaurants and bars, a 1000-seat performance centre, production spaces and a variety of supporting infrastructure and ancillary facilities.
Even a helipad.
Estimated cost?
$240M excluding GST.
A horse training business currently uses the site which is less than a kilometre from the freeway and only about 10 kilometres into Gosford.
The project would create thousands of jobs for NSW creative industries artists and other ancillary jobs, the scoping report states.
“Currently, close to 50% of the film and television industry is based in NSW, with over 2,300 screen production businesses employing over 15,000 people,” the report states.
It says almost 4000 jobs were created in Sydney when The Fall Guy was filmed.
But it says there is a distinct skill shortage in highly skilled technical roles across Australia that is inhibiting the state’s ability to raise further revenue.
“To allow NSW to remain competitive as a market leader for the growth and employment of talent in this industry, the proposal offers direct pathways for workers to engage in industry-ready training through strategic partnerships with tertiary education providers within the precinct, whilst also generating thousands of jobs through the attraction of major productions being filmed at the studios,” it states.
The proposal from Central Coast Studios Pty Ltd says the development will contribute to a competitive and resilient economy by diversifying local enterprises.
“By establishing a major creative industry hub, Central Coast Studios will attract film production companies, media professionals, and associated businesses to the Central Coast, generating employment and fostering skills development in the region.”
The proposal states that environmental protection remains a core priority, particularly in safeguarding the Central Coast’s drinking water catchments.
The next step in the plan is for the State Government to publish its Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirement (SEARS).
SEARS essentially is a list of all the documents and consultation needed to assess the project before a decision can be made on the concept.
After that, if approved, comes a whole lot of detailed work before development applications (DAs) are then lodged for each building.
