What’s happening?
Construction has commenced on the first of 505 homes at Living Gems Rockhampton, an over-50s land lease community in Parkhurst.
The first sod was turned on Thursday, 11 December, marking the official start of the project.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams, Councillors Shane Latcham and Marika Taylor, and Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich attended the milestone.
Future residents Chris and Ann Bell were also present for the sod turning.
Living Gems Rockhampton is being developed at 930 Norman Road, on a 27-hectare site that previously housed the Rockhampton Golf Driving Range and Mini Golf.
Why it matters
The development delivers a major new housing option for Rockhampton’s ageing population.
People aged over 50 account for about one-third of the city’s population, and demand for suitable housing options continues to grow.
The project adds a type of housing stock that has not traditionally existed in Rockhampton, increasing choice while supporting long-term housing supply.
In September, the Queensland Government announced $4.3 million in funding for road connection upgrades and stormwater infrastructure to support the new community.
Local impact
The project will be delivered in stages over the next seven years and is expected to generate ongoing local employment.
Around 100 construction workers will be employed onsite at any given time during development.
Mayor Tony Williams said Council was working to address housing needs across 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.”
By the numbers
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The $360 million project will deliver 505 homes, making it the largest land lease community ever built in Rockhampton.
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The first stage comprises 49 homes, each featuring two bedrooms and a multipurpose room, priced from $685,000.
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The community will be delivered over seven years, with about 100 construction workers on-site at any given time.
Zoom in
Construction is also underway on the first $23 million worth of resident amenities.
These facilities will include resort-style pools, a bowling alley, yoga space, workshop, dog run, tennis and pickleball courts, an undercover lawn bowls green, a golf simulator, cinema, and RV parking.
Mr Puljich said the development offered a new lifestyle option for the region.
“There’s never been a community like this in Rockhampton before,” he said.
“It is purpose-built for over 50s, providing a new choice for locals who have worked hard their whole lives and want a little bit of luxury leading up to, and into, retirement.”
He said the homes were designed to support low-maintenance living while keeping residents active and social.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Zoom out
Mr Puljich said land lease communities played a role in increasing overall housing supply.
“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 located close to shops, cafes, and amenities in central Rockhampton.
What to look for next?
Sales are now underway for the first stage of homes, while construction continues on both residences and amenities.
The community will continue to be delivered in stages over the coming years.
Family-owned developer Living Gems has delivered more than 2,000 homes across Queensland since being established in 1982 by Peter Puljich.
For more information, visit the sales office at 930 Norman Road, Parkhurst, open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday or by appointment, call 1800 954 214, or visit the Living Gems Rockhampton website.
