The $78 million project covers 27ha and will have 294 land lots. It will eventually deliver around 100 homes for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, supporting the Air Force and Army at Ipswich’s Amberley base, with the remaining lots being opened to the public.
The first allocation of 43 Defence homes is due to be delivered in September next year. With the sales launch of the first 62 public purchase lots scheduled to start from November.
DHA’s chairman the Honourable J. A. L Sandy Macdonald, and managing director Ms Jan Mason, recently hosted local Ipswich resident and original landowner Mr Andy Rawlings, and Wing Commander Karen Breaden, for the ceremonial sod turning event.
The launch unveils DHA’s Torhaven development to the Ipswich community and marks the inaugural excavation works on the site.
“As DHA’s first major masterplanned community in the Ipswich region, we are indeed excited to mark the beginning of Torhaven,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Our vision for Torhaven is to create a sustainable and safe parkland community that’s characterised by high quality homes, tree-lined streets and shared community spaces.”
Around $2 million will be spent on parks and open space which will cover about 20 per cent of the site.
Property services group Oliver Hume has been appointed sales and marketing agent for the project.
Oliver Hume Queensland managing director Brinton Keath said the project was well positioned to take advantage of the strong market for new land in the Ipswich growth corridor.
“This corridor presents some of the best value buying of anywhere in Queensland at the moment,” he said.
“We would expect to experience strong demand from local buyers looking to upgrade into a new home, as well as families moving to the area for employment opportunities.”
Torhaven is a name derived from Tor, a high rocky hill, and haven, a place offering favourable opportunities or conditions — directly referencing the site’s natural features and honouring the use of the site by the local Rawlings family for over 40 years.
DHA acquired the site on 19 May 2015 from Mr Andrew ‘Andy’ Rawlings and his wife, Sandra, who are members of the same Ipswich family that founded Rawlings Shoes and mens wear in 1898. The Rawlings’ store still exists in its original location at 137 Brisbane Street in the Ipswich CBD.
“To begin this project alongside a family who has called Ipswich home for some 115 years, is an honour and is in the true spirit of the community feel we hope Torhaven personifies,” Mr Macdonald said.