Colliers says development of 450-lot subdivision would be ‘essential’ to region’s land supply

There are hopes that a proposed 450-lot development outside Glenvale will help address Toowoomba’s land supply issues.

The redevelopment of Gainsborough Lodge has the potential to fill a “crucial” void in Toowoomba’s land supply.

Colliers International Toowoomba director Dominic Ryan described the proposed 450-lot development as “essential” to the region’s land supply.

“It ticks the boxes that (Toowoomba Regional Council) wants in that criteria – we are in that priority infrastructure area, we’re hitting that density that they want, but also giving a good mix of product,” he said.

“It’s kind of an early Christmas present for council to have this.”

Mr Ryan said the estate was “one of many that we need to see progress”.

Colliers International Toowoomba in October hosted a property outlook luncheon, which saw independent property analyst Michael Matusik deliver his latest report on the Toowoomba housing market.

“Toowoomba does not have enough subdivisional land (and) this lack is negatively affecting housing affordability,” Mr Matusik’s report said.

“A lack of new development, in turn, adversely impacts on local jobs.”

Toowoomba Regional Council has previously indicated it believes housing supply was now an issue primarily due to the popularity of the federal HomeBuilder grant.

Mr Ryan said he was looking forward to the development being assessed.

Master plan for Gainsborough Lodge redevelopment.

“And we are fortunate in Toowoomba to have developers that want to engage on a vision or passion,” he said.

“This is a site which council should be proud of from the point of view of rich traditions and bold ambitions coming into play together.”

RMA Engineers’ David Waldock said his team had put a lot of time into the urban design to get it to be sympathetic to the topography.