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Retirement resort planned for Beerwah
New resort-style retirement opportunity in Beerwah
Developer representative Dennis Morgan goes over some of the plans with current owners Margaret and Stewart Skerman
A major new retirement community is about to take shape in Beerwah, with a recent development application submitted to Sunshine Coast Council.
Aspect Glasshouse will be a 200-dwelling lifestyle resort for the over 50s situated on Steve Irwin Way between Back Creek Road and the Beerwah Hideaway.
The 14.3 hectare area, currently owned by Stewart and Margaret Skerman and Baywood Pty Ltd, is to be developed by Aspect Property Group, which the development application says has constructed major residential complexes in urban centres such as St Lucia and Toowong.
Zoned as low density residential, the proposed retirement facility is within allowable uses under the council’s planning scheme, so the application has been deemed code assessable, meaning that no public notification or submission period is required.
Aspect Property Group describes the proposal as the “… first purpose designed and built resort for over 50s in the Glass House Mountains area, providing a viable option for downsizing locals to reside in, allowing more time to appreciate pastimes and interact with their local community”.
This level of development equates to 14.2 equivalent dwellings per hectare, which the
developer claims is less than half of the preferred maximum density specified for the proposed use in a low density residential zone.
House designs and styles will be varied to create a visually attractive mix, with all dwellings having at least 20m 2 of private outdoor area.
The first stage entry price is expected to be in the mid-$300,000s.
The plans also provide for a range of unique communal and recreation facilities, including gym, yoga room, barbeque facilities, pool area, cinema, billiards room, library, communal indoor and outdoor dining areas, lawn bowling greens, a tennis court, pickleball courts, putting green, kids playground and craft room, men’s shed, dog park, a pocket park and retained vegetation areas, recreational vehicle (RV) storage sheds, a maintenance shed and a garden shed.
Caravans and RVs will be catered for with 47 dedicated parking spaces plus two wash-down bays, and there will be 105 visitor parking bays.
The fully landscaped grounds will include a walking/ cycling trail incorporating exercise equipment and taking in the vista across to Mount Beerwah.
A mini-bus service will take residents to local shops and facilities, making it easier for people to be less reliant on private cars and there will be on-site professional management.
“The design reflects the fabric of the modern country town of Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with the majestic Glass House Mountains setting a wonderful backdrop,” an Aspect spokesperson said.
“The project’s intent is to provide quality, affordable housing in a secure, lifestyle environment.”
Most of the existing vegetation will be retained and although some trees will be cleared, these have been identified as not being of significant habitat value.
A flooding study shows almost all the land is floodfree although some areas could be affected during extreme wet conditions, such as a one-in-200-year rain event.
A supply and demand study showed the facility was most likely to attract potential residents from Birtinya to Pelican Waters, through the hinterland across Buderim, Palmwoods, Blackall Ranges, Maleny and Conondale and through Glasshouse Country regions.
Within this zone, the developers have calculated more than 25% growth in the 55+ years age group from 2016–2026.
With 3,711 existing dwelling available for retirement living and another 734 in the immediate pipeline, the developers suggest the development will help to meet the expectant shortfall in this style of retirement living.
The planning document admits that some aspects of the development are not compliant with the planning scheme, including a setback from Back Creek Road at the rear of the development and the open space component of 17% below the required 20%.
If the development gets council approval, stage one, which includes the community facilities and up to 20 dwellings, is planned to start in the second half of 2020.
