by FilmInk Staff
Central Coast Studios receives SEARs environmental assessment approval as demand for independent production infrastructure reaches historic levels
The NSW Department of Planning has issued Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) approval for Central Coast Studios (CCS), marking a significant milestone for one of the largest proposed screen production precincts in the country. The SEARs approval enables CCS to commence its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and progress into a key phase of the state’s planning process.
Central Coast Studios is a proposed independent, open-access screen production precinct at Calga, set on a 70-acre site less than an hour from Sydney. The masterplan includes purpose-built sound stages, workshops and production facilities, alongside education and workforce infrastructure. A standout feature is a large-scale external water tank designed for complex water-based filming and visual effects.
The milestone comes amid strong and growing stakeholder support, including a formal letter from the Central Coast Plateau Chamber of Commerce, with Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna describing the project as one that would deliver real benefits for the region.
“Central Coast Studios will create jobs, help grow local businesses, and attract more visitors to the area. It will boost our local economy and help show the Central Coast as a great place for creativity, culture, and tourism. This project is an important step in building a stronger future for the Central Coast.,” Mayor McKinna said.
The proposed site in Calga sits within a broader tourism and recreation setting at the northern gateway to Sydney, adjacent to established visitor operators and attractions including Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary and the Australian Reptile Park.
The project has also drawn comment from business and political leaders, highlighting its economic potential and the policy settings needed to support its progression.
Scott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSW Central Coast, said: “Central Coast Studios directly aligns with Business NSW Central Coast’s strategic priorities to grow the creative industries in regional NSW, diversify the local economy, and generate long-term employment pathways, particularly for young people and creatives seeking to stay and thrive on the Coast.”
The Hon. Jacqueline Munro MLC, Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, said: “The Minns Labor Government has said that it wants to support the screen industry in NSW, and here is a perfect chance to do so. The Minister for the Central Coast should come out to support this proposal and use his influence in the Cabinet to ensure Central Coast Studios is given a pathway to succeed.”
Screen Australia’s Drama Report shows drama production expenditure reached a record $2.7 billion in 2024–25, driven by international and subscription-based productions. The data also shows that Queensland recorded the highest drama production expenditure of any state in 2024–25, eclipsing New South Wales for the first time. At the same time, fewer local titles entering production points to growing capacity constraints across commissioning and infrastructure. The figures highlight the competitive imperative for NSW to expand studio capacity, with new large-format facilities such as Central Coast Studios playing a role in retaining large-scale productions within the state.
CCS co-founder Craig Giles said: “Producers tell us repeatedly that they’re struggling to secure the stages they need. Technical constraints and crew shortages are slowing projects nationwide. This precinct gives us the opportunity to deliver the open-access infrastructure the industry urgently needs.”
“With ten purpose-built sound stages, more than eight million litres of water tank capacity, virtual production facilities, a thousand-seat venue, game development labs and on-site accommodation, the CCS masterplan has been designed to meet the needs of independent and international productions alike,” Giles added.
The project also responds to national skills shortages, with a purpose-built Education Centre to host partnerships across film, television, trades, games and virtual production, alongside a rare feature: on-site childcare to support working parents across all levels of production.
“If we want a sustainable, inclusive industry, we need to support families. Childcare and training access shouldn’t be afterthoughts – they should be industry standards,” said Giles.
Preliminary economic modelling indicates the CCS precinct could create approximately 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, generate $750 million in annual economic activity, and deliver a scalable talent pipeline to support the broader sector.
The development’s next phase includes continued environmental and technical assessments throughout 2026 as CCS prepares to submit its full Environmental Impact Statement.
About Central Coast Studios
Central Coast Studios is a proposed independent screen production precinct on a 70-acre site in Calga, NSW, designed to be available for hire by Australian and international productions. The precinct will include ten sound stages, a 1,000-seat performance venue, post-production and virtual production facilities, game development labs, on-site accommodation, childcare and an education hub. Less than an hour from Sydney, the site offers immediate access to diverse natural filming locations and is designed to serve as a long-term economic and cultural catalyst for the Central Coast and Australian screen industries.
