Property pipeline operators evolve to meet shifting demands

FUTURE SUNSHINE COAST: Master-planned communities to keep evolving, as buyers' desires shift.

VISION: The beach access at Stockland's Oceanside development at Bokarina Beach. Picture: Contributed

ONE company playing a significant role in the region's future is Stockland, which is busily rolling out major housing estates and new town centres around the Coast.

Stockland regional manager Adrian Allen said the company was investing $10 billion in the region over the next 20 years.

Its rolling out communities at Caloundra South (Aura), Bokarina Beach, Birtinya and Brightwater.

Mr Allen said Caloundra South was set to deliver a $1.5 billion contribution to the regional economy each year, and it will end a city the size of Gladstone at the southern end of the Coast.

He said the major developments were driving employment, with Bokarina Beach and Birtinya expected to generate 8300 full-time construction jobs over 10-15 years, and about 16,000 additional, ongoing jobs once complete.

The company planned to build 10 separate sporting grounds over the life of its Caloundra South development, as part of Stockland's $1.3 billion Infrastructure Agreement with council and the State Government.

It will also provide land for 25 community facilities.

Stockland's Adrian Allen, left, with Mark Stephens and Ben Simpson with the UDIA Qld Environmental Excellence Award.

He said master planned communities were continually evolving to meet demand from buyers who were seeking "well-connected communities that offer a full range of amenities and services at their doorstep”.

Mr Allen said sustainable development would remain at the core of future, successful master planned communities, along with future-proofing for technology changes, including energy generation and waste recycling.

"Our research partnerships with universities and other organisations are piloting new technologies to protect important environmental values, including water quality and local flora and fauna,” he said.

In terms of changes in the coming decades, Mr Allen said home buyers were increasingly seeking housing options that worked with their changing needs.

He said diversity of product was essential to cater to those changes.

"We have already seen the growing integration of retail villages in our communities, with shopping, dining, entertainment and health services playing a central role in people's daily lives,” Mr Allen said.

"The growth of home-based businesses is also becoming increasingly significant and our communities offer the infrastructure to support them, such as NBN connections to every home.”

Mr Allen said technology would be a major driver of change in communities.

He said features like solar power, LED street lights and smart technology in community spaces were already starting to be rolled out.

"Communities of the future will also increasingly cater to a greater diversity of buyers in all stages of life, helping to build strong, connected neighbourhoods featuring a wide array of amenities and services.”

Originally published as Property pipeline operators evolve to meet shifting demands