Gainsborough Lodge: Wagner Corporation, Richards Group join forces on 340-lot subdivision at old horse stud in Wellcamp

Work will start within months to transform one of Queensland’s most famous horse studs into a massive subdivision to cater for more than 1000 new residents.

Two of Toowoomba’s most prominent developers have joined forces to create housing for more than 1000 new residents on land that was once a famous horse stud.

Wagner Corporation and the Richards Group will break ground within months on a 340-lot subdivision at Gainsborough Lodge, off Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road in Wellcamp.

It comes after the Toowoomba Regional Council last week gave approval for the project, which acts as stages two to eight of the master plan.

With an existing approval of 56 lots in the first stage, it means nearly 400 lots will be created over several years.

The next seven stages of the Gainsborough Lodge residential subdivision in Wellcamp have been submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council for approval.

It is a project that was first forecast for the massive parcel of land at the stud by managing director Melinda Richards and her team back in 2020.

Both parties revealed the project would be jointly developed, with the first works on stage one expected to start early next year.

Ms Richards said the Wagner family were not just professional collaborators but also friends.

“We are pleased to be working with Wagner Corporation in the delivery of this project,” she said.

“Denis and his family are not only neighbours, but friends, and Wagner Corporation has a strong track record of getting things done and delivering quality residential subdivisions.”

Plans for Gainsborough Lodge development. Melinda Richards, Richards Group managing director

Ms Richards said while it would be sad to see the legendary horse stud subsumed by the project, she saw the strong need for more housing options.

“The entire 151-hectare site is surrounded by adjoining development, which has placed pressure on the continued operation of our thoroughbred breeding and racing operation making it unsustainable to continue operating in the longer term,” she said.

“This approval works towards addressing Toowoomba’s potential land shortage, with this proposal aiming to provide a mix of housing products to cater for the strong growth in the Toowoomba area, now and into the future.”

Wagner Corporation director Denis Wagner. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Wagner said the Gainsborough Lodge development would help service Toowoomba’s fast-growing western corridor.

“This will be an estate of the highest quality and will provide many families the opportunity to live in a first-class residential area,” he said.

“Gainsborough Lodge will provide much-needed residential lots that will support the continued growth of Toowoomba.

“It is ideally located midway between the CBD and the areas generating employment at Charlton Wellcamp.

‘This proposal will deliver a vibrant and connected community adhering to sustainable development principles while retaining some of its rich history by preserving infrastructure that abounds the site.”

Mr Wagner said the first lots, which would range between 500 sqm and 970 sqm, would be available by the end of next year.