Former Holden Proving Ground in Lang Lang Remains Unsold

Will a buyer be found for the iconic Lang Lang proving ground, or will it continue to wait for its next chapter?

The search for a buyer for the former Holden proving ground in Lang Lang continues, more than two and a half years after it was put up for sale. Vietnamese carmaker VinFast, who purchased the site from Holden, ceased operations at Lang Lang in August 2021. Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE), the real estate group in charge of finding a buyer, has readvertised the facility with the help of Holden racing legend, Lee Holdsworth.

Vietnamese carmaker VinFast purchased the Lang Lang proving ground from Holden for $34 million in September 2020. However, only a few months later, VinFast ceased operations at the facility. The company had planned to use the site to develop its vehicles before launching them in the local market. VinFast even hired former employees from other Australian car manufacturers to strengthen its engineering team.

In October 2021, the Lang Lang proving ground was officially listed for sale. Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) has been tasked with finding a suitable buyer. Despite their efforts, no buyer has been found yet for the 877-hectare (2167-acre) car testing ground.

Lee Holdsworth, a prominent figure in Holden’s racing history, is assisting in the sale of the Lang Lang facility. Holdsworth, who achieved three of his four V8 Supercars race wins in Commodores, including the 2021 Bathurst 1000, holds a special connection to Holden and its legacy.

The Lang Lang site boasts impressive features, including 44km of testing tracks that encompass sealed and unsealed roads, a 4×4 course, a skid pad, and a banked high-speed bowl. These facilities have been instrumental in the development and testing of vehicles over the years. In addition to the testing tracks, there are also various testing, storage, office, and laboratory facilities on the site, covering a total of 11,920 square metres of building space.

Holden and General Motors invested $16 million in renovating the Lang Lang facility in 2018. This included the installation of an emissions testing lab, building renovations and upgrades, and repaving of the banked bowl. These investments aimed to modernize the site and enhance its capabilities for vehicle development and testing.

The Lang Lang proving ground has a long-standing history in Australia, dating back to its opening in 1957. It played a crucial role in the development of locally built Holdens until Australian manufacturing ceased in 2017. Even after manufacturing ended, the facility continued to be used by the Holden brand until it ceased operations entirely.

There have been concerns about the future of the Lang Lang proving ground since it was listed for sale. A local environmental group called ‘Save The Holden Bushlands’ protested against the potential sale to developers. However, their social media presence and website are currently inactive, leaving the outcome uncertain.

• VinFast purchased the Lang Lang proving ground from Holden in 2020, but ceased operations in August 2021.
• The facility has been officially listed for sale since October 2021.
• CBRE is still searching for a buyer for the 877-hectare car testing ground.
• Holden racing legend, Lee Holdsworth, is assisting with the sale.
• The Lang Lang site features 44km of testing tracks and 11,920 square metres of building space.
• Holden and General Motors invested $16 million in renovations to the facility in 2018.
• The Lang Lang proving ground has a rich history dating back to 1957.

The former Holden proving ground in Lang Lang remains unsold, despite efforts to find a buyer. The facility, with its rich history and impressive features, offers great potential for automotive development and testing. The assistance of Holden racing legend Lee Holdsworth adds an interesting element to the sale. The future of the Lang Lang site is uncertain, and its fate may impact future operations and testing for car brands and enthusiasts.