Ipswich’s construction industry is expected to get a major boost with the start of construction at Devine’s $360 million Eden’s Crossing residential community this week.
Thousands of construction jobs will be created in the local region over the life of the project, which is located on a site off School Road. It is expected that 1500 workers will be involved in the construction of the 960-dwelling community, with approximately 50 homes to be under construction at any one time.
Fifty workers are now working on the civil site as work gets underway on the earthworks. The first two stages will be finished by the completion of 2015.
Devine General Manager Communities Andrew Brimblecombe was joined by Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale to mark the milestone with a sod-turning ceremony at the sought-after community.
Mr Brimblecombe said it was a landmark occasion for Eden’s Crossing.
“The start of construction will yield significant benefits for the Ipswich economy and also drive further buyer interest in this exciting new community,” he said.
“We’re proud to be building a community that will provide buyers with the opportunity to purchase high-quality land in one of South East Queensland’s fastest growing areas. It will also be deliver direct access to the Centenary Highway with the construction of a planned access road in 2016.
“There are now limited blocks remaining in the first three releases in the Creekstone Village precinct of Eden’s Crossing. The community offers great value, with land priced from $157,900 and ranging in size from 315m2 – 940m2.”
Cr Pisasale said Eden’s Crossing estate at Redbank Plains provided substantial opportunities for the Ipswich community and its economy with its potential for new employment.
“It will not only deliver new jobs for the construction industry, but also creates a flow on effect that will generate additional local jobs in industries such as real estate, electrical, plumbing and landscaping,” he said.
“We’re pleased that developers like Devine are recognising Ipswich’s enormous growth potential and investing in the future of this vibrant city.”
Eden’s Crossing is conveniently located in the Western Growth Corridor, just 13.5 kilometres to the Ipswich CBD and 34km to Brisbane and will be just 5km from Springfield Central.
The community is located on the doorstep of Staines Memorial College, while a new State Primary School will be built adjacent to the site, which is due to open in 2017.
The community will have access to multiple transport links. As well as the direct access to Centenary Highway, there are plans for a proposed train station linking Ipswich and Brisbane, with a Redbank Plains South Station. There is an existing bus service in the area, which will be expanded in time to service Eden’s Crossing.
A new Woolworths retail precinct has been approved for the site adjoining Eden’s Crossing. Other nearby shopping centres include Redbank Plaza and Orion Shopping Centre at Springfield Central.