A $210 million over-50s development for Bohle Plains has been approved by Townsville City Council this week.
The 295-home gated lifestyle resort, by developer Living Gems, will be built on a 13.6-hectare parcel at 99 Hogarth Drive, within Maidment Group’s Harris Crossing community in the city’s fast-growing west.
Early works have already started on the site, with Townsville civil construction business, Mendi Constructions, appointed to complete the first stage of works.
Living Gems Director and CEO, Adrian Puljich said Census data showed more than a third (34.3%) of Townsville’s residents were over 50, equating to about 80,000 residents.
“A significant portion of those will be looking to downsize in the years ahead, making communities such as these critical to providing appropriate housing,” he said.
“To date, the options for downsizers have been few and far between – and certainly, there’s been nothing of this type or scale.
“Living Gems Harris Crossing will provide a new alternative, where they can free up time, free up capital and enhance their lifestyle all at the same time. We’re anticipating it will appeal to buyers not only from Townsville, but right across the North Queensland region, as far south as Mackay.”
Mr Puljich said Living Gems Harris Crossing would include more than $16 million of resident facilities, across an architect-designed Summer House and Country Club.
“These two facilities will be the beating heart of the community. A place for residents to come together, form new connections, and stay fit and healthy,” he said.
“The great thing about over-50s communities is that residents can be involved as much or as little as they like. We’ve designed the facilities to include something for everyone – from a workshop to a golf simulator, dog run, RV parking, and tennis and pickleball court, there’s a
lot to choose from.”
Mr Puljich said the low-maintenance homes featured either two bedrooms or two bedroom plus a multi-purpose room, and would be available in four different designs.
“The emphasis is on the lifestyle, with easy, low-maintenance living so residents can spend their time enjoying the facilities and the things they love. The gated security means they can also ‘lock and leave’ if they want to travel,” he said.
“The homes are carefully designed to allow residents to age-in-place if they choose to, meaning they’re suitable from their over 50s and beyond.
“As a land lease community, residents own their home and rent the land. This lowers the cost to buy and means they benefit from any capital gain if they choose to sell.
“The rent portion covers all the facilities, site maintenance and management, so there’s nothing for them to do, and there’s no entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty, which can be associated with retirement villages.”
