BNE Auto Mall reveals Mark Skaife-designed test track

Bathurst 1000 and V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife OAM today unveiled the design of a "world-class" test track that will be the centrepiece of Queensland's new $500 million BNE Auto Mall at Brisbane Airport.

The group behind one of the most ambitious auto retail complexes ever proposed in Australia, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) property division BNE Property, says the 2.5km test track will "redefine the customer experience with flexibility to accommodate all skill levels from driver training to V8 supercar experiences".

First announced last June, the track was designed by Skaife in partnership with leading track designer iEDM.

Skaife said the test track is what will differentiate BNE Auto Mall from other automotive sales precincts.

“Having the ability to test drive a new vehicle around a track is such a unique concept and something I am really excited to be a part of,” he said.

“This will be the benchmark in Australia for a safe test drive experience and will truly cater for a first drive P-plater through to a CAMS licence holder in a Ferrari or Porsche.

“One of the great aspects of the precinct is being able to drive a car straight from the showroom onto a purpose-built test track without having to wait at traffic lights and sit in congestion – you don’t even have to be a car fanatic to appreciate that.

“It’s a unique way for customers to try out a new vehicle and a great way for dealerships to really sell the features of their cars.”

Skaife said the track won't just be about speed, with the facility to also include a 4WD test track and skid pan, both of which will be fully lit for after-dark operation.

“The test track offers a safe environment for driver training and education programs and can also be used for events such as car launches and car club activities,” he said. “The precinct has huge potential for a range of uses.

“Having a range of dealerships and associated services at the one central precinct is just what Brisbane needs.

“I believe the timing is right. Escalating land values and demand for inner-city residential development sites such as in Fortitude Valley, mean many dealerships are moving or looking to move in the coming years.

“As the Australian automotive landscape changes, car companies will be turning their focus to marketing, brand stability and the ‘retail experience’ which is a growing trend already being embraced successfully overseas.”

BAC General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the BNE Auto Mall will transform Brisbane’s automotive industry.

“Leading dealerships and manufacturers will be brought together at a landmark destination at Brisbane Airport,” he said. “Flagship auto retailing will sit alongside brand experience centres, exhibition facilities and associated retail, all located round the Mark Skaife designed test track.”

Tormey said BNE Property will commence development of the 51.3-hectare site adjacent to Brisbane's international terminal in 2017 after extensive consultation and interest from the Australian automotive industry.

“All industry feedback to date has confirmed that Brisbane Airport is the perfect location for a precinct like this because of its size, flexibility and extremely central location just 10km from the CBD,” he said.

BAC and appointed agents JLL are now calling for occupiers to formally register their interest for the limited site offerings within the high-profile precinct.

Tormey told motoring.com.au the BNE Auto Mall development would be built in three stages. The first, including the circuit, would be completed by 2020 – the same year Brisbane's airport's second runway is due to open.

"Our total investment will be between $400 and $500 million on completion of all the buildings," he said, adding that lot sizes will be tailored to the needs of dealers and manufacturers."

Current plans call for 27 lots – including a hotel and convention centre -- but Tormey said sites would be offered to meet the needs of dealers and manufacturers.

"We'll fill and service the land and either build buildings for the dealers or manufacturers, or build them in a joint-venture," he said.

Tormey said interest was strong, but no parties have yet been locked in.

"We've been getting round the dealers and importers, mainly to get their input. We're satisfied we've got a track that works and that satisfies their requirements. Now we'll be talking to them more seriously about exactly what they require. We can break up the lot sizes in any way they like."

Tormey said the circuit will be available for private hire, with pricing in line with Australia's best racetracks, including the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, which costs about $15,000 a day to hire.

"We've got an idea. It won't be too different to what tracks are charging now. We haven't settled on it yet but it will be at the upper end."

Tormey said the BNE Auto Mall circuit can potentially be open 24 hours a day and will be fully lit.

"The track will be used all the time, including on Sundays when auto retailing doesn't happen, so it could be used for club days and private hire then. People could come after work with their 4WDs

"We already have a specific annual usage request for 80 days a year, and we'll also be open to V8 supercar team testing. The track will be made safe for that sort of use. It will be built to international safety standards, but there will be no racing."

When its second runway is completed, the airport at Brisbane -- Australia's third largest city -- will double its passenger capacity, which currently stands at 22 million annually.

Tormey said the BNE Auto Mall site, opposite the international terminal, would not be subject to noise restrictions or curfews because it's part of the airport precinct.

"We've got more land than any other airport in Australia and the biggest buffer zone in Australia," he said.

"We already have $1.3 billion developed in commercial office buildings, child care and the like. What we haven't got is auto."