Screen Australia is selling the former Film Australia studio and office facilities, located in Lindfield on Sydney’s upper north shore. Recently rezoned for residential use, the property is expected to attract significant market interest. Colliers International has been appointed as the sales agent.

The Eton Road property was a purpose-built film and television facility used by Film Australia, as well as many independent production and film service companies, for over 30 years. Many Australian filmmakers started or advanced their careers at the Lindfield site, resulting in thousands of films that provided audiences with a snapshot of life in Australia.

Film Australia emerged in 1973 from the Commonwealth Film Unit, which in turn evolved from the Australian National Film Board, established in about 1940 to produce documentary films. One of Film Australia’s earliest successes was A Steam Train Passes (1974) and more recently Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler? (2006). The Film Australia Collection, held at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), is home to over 5,000 titles reflecting over a century of Australian history.

Subsequent to the merger of Film Australia, the Australian Film Commission and the Film Finance Corporation into the existing Screen Australia, the studio facilities were no longer required. Screen Australia no longer commissions content but now acts to facilitate independent production across a broad range of genres. Under Ku-ring-gai Council’s Local Environment Plan, the site has a zoning that allows for a mix of low/medium density residential development.

Colliers International will conduct a six-week international marketing campaign to attract prospective buyers through open tender with settlement expected around September/October 2015.

Screen Australia recognises the excellent work of Jorge Schneider, Margaret Slarke and Josie Cabral, the remaining staff at Lindfield.