Rezoning clears path for Toowoomba land lease community
- Rezoning approved: Glenvale site can proceed as low-medium density residential
- Arena Residences: Plans for 320 over-50s homes
- Water boost: A $145M treatment plant resolved hurdle
- Next step: Developer says project can begin
A local property developer has received approval to rezone a 72-hectare site in western Toowoomba, paving the way for a new land lease community.
The Queensland Government approved the change from Emerging Community to Low-Medium Density Residential, allowing HF Capital Management’s Edward Hodge to progress plans for The Arena Residences at Glenvale, about 8km south-west of the Toowoomba CBD.
The proposed development includes an over-50s lifestyle resort with more than 320 homes, alongside a subdivision creating 23 residential lots.
Toowoomba has emerged as one of Queensland’s most active land lease markets, with operators including Millbray, Liven Communities, GemLife and Ingenia Lifestyle all pursuing projects in the region. GemLife and Ingenia Lifestyle each have two communities planned or under development.
The decision came soon after after the Queensland State Government pledged $145 million for a new water treatment plant to service Toowoomba’s western growth corridor.
Hodge’s initial proposal attracted 60 submissions in opposition, with concerns about water supply among the key issues raised.
The new water treatment plant, to be built at nearby Westbrook, is expected to support future growth across the region and remove a major hurdle for developments in Glenvale and surrounding suburbs.
“The announcement yesterday is a game changer for Toowoomba, especially the Glenvale Olympic precinct,” Hodge said.
“It provides certainty for our project to start immediately, and for several other developments in Glenvale and Westbrook to move ahead.
“Toowoomba Regional Council have done incredible work in getting this over the line.”
