Construction has commenced on the first of 505 homes in a $360 million Rockhampton over-50s community, which will feature a suite of resort-style resident facilities including a pickleball court, pools, a golf simulator and cinema.
The first sod was turned on Living Gems Rockhampton, with Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Shane Latcham and Marika Taylor, and Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich marking the milestone.
The land lease community is the largest of its kind ever built in the fast-growing Central Queensland city, adding to its housing diversity and providing much-needed options for the region’s over 50s, who account for about a third of Rockhampton’s population.
In September, the State Government announced $4.3 million in funding towards road connection upgrades and stormwater infrastructure, to support the new community.
Living Gems Rockhampton will span 27-hectares at 930 Norman Road in Parkhurst, on a site which formerly housed the Rockhampton Golf Driving Range and Mini Golf.
It will be delivered in stages over the next seven years, creating significant local employment, with about 100 construction workers employed onsite at any given time.
Mayor Williams said Council was working hard to find housing solutions across the region. He said Living Gems was a great example of the kind of private investment that would make a difference to the region.
“We know our region needs a diverse range of housing options, and Council is tackling that on multiple fronts through our housing plans and priority list,” he said.
“We need housing solutions right across the market and Living Gems is going to add new housing stock and a type of stock that traditionally we have not had in Rocky.
“It’s great to see this project coming along at the pace it is and I can’t wait to see locals making the most of it.”
The first stage of 49 homes, each with two bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, at Living Gems Rockhampton is now selling, priced from $685,000.
Mr Puljich said construction was also underway on the first of $23 million of amenities, which will include resort-style pools, a bowling alley, yoga space, workshop, dog run, tennis and pickleball courts, undercover lawn bowls green, and RV parking.
“There’s never been a community like this in Rockhampton before,” he said.
“It is purpose-built for over 50s, providing new choice for locals who have worked hard their whole lives and want a little bit of luxury leading up to, and into, retirement.
“It’s a place where they can right-size from the traditional large family house, often on a big block of land, to a home that is brand new, secure, and low maintenance. They can stay active with a game of pickleball or socialise over a barbecue by the pool.
“As the largest over-50s lifestyle community in the region, the extensive facilities are really second to none, with something to suit every passion — whether lawn bowls, ten-pin bowling, music, arts and crafts, or a cinema-style experience.
“It’s appealing particularly to younger, active over 50s from across Central Queensland.”
Mr Puljich said land lease communities added to housing supply by freeing up larger stand-alone homes for younger generations.
“Giving over 50s a reason to downsize sooner unlocks established homes ideal for young families — it is win-win,” he said.
“The land lease model also allows most to free up capital for retirement in the move and there are no entry or exit fees, as are often associated with retirement villages.
“There is also no stamp duty, because buyers own their home and rent the land, with a weekly site fee taking care of all maintenance, management and security. Eligible homeowners can apply for Federal Government rent assistance.”
Living Gems Rockhampton is close to shops, cafes and amenities in central Rockhampton.
Family-owned developer Living Gems has delivered more than 2,000 homes across Queensland, since being established by Anthony Puljich’s father, Peter, in 1982.
For more information on Living Gems Rockhampton stop by the sales office at 930 Norman Road in Parkhurst, open between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or by appointment, call 1800 954 214 or visit: https://www.livinggems.com.au/locations/rockhampton/.
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