Stockland Plots 20ha Estate on Sunshine Coast

Plans have been filed for a sprawling retirement land lease development comprising up to 500 residences as part of what has been dubbed Queensland’s fastest-growing residential community.

The proposal for the Halcyon Blu over-50s lifestyle community has been lodged by developer Stockland to form part of its 2350ha Aura masterplanned estate at Caloundra South on the Sunshine Coast.

It is earmarked for a 20ha site adjoining the Bells Creek conservation area and, if approved, it will be the second manufactured home park within the estate.

Halcyon Nirimba—comprising 244 homes—was approved by Economic Development Queensland in 2020 with construction starting in 2021. It is now almost two-thirds sold out.

According to a submitted planning report, the staged Halcyon Blu development proposal is intended to accommodate the retirement living demand within Aura for the next six to seven years.

It would have a slightly lower density of around 21 homes per hectare compared to 23 homes per hectare at Nirimba, as well as a greater percentage of greenery and landscaping (nearly 19 per cent of the site).

Under the Archipelago-designed scheme, seven “neighbourhoods” with a total of between 400 and 500 independent villas would be connected by a “living loop” to leisure, wellness and clubhouse facilities that support a range of activities and interests.

“Residents are connected to the central facilities and open spaces area via a series of green spines providing direct access from around the site to limit the reliability on vehicles,” the documents said.

The landscaped communal facilities—including a clubhouse with three pavilions around a resort-style pool—would be more than twice the size of those at the Nirimba site.

“Key to delivering upon the aspirations is the creation of a resort style landscape where each and every day feels like a holiday, and residents are always living their very best lives,” the report said. “Particular attention has therefore been placed on ensuring a high quality of communal facilities for the residents.”

Amenities would include a cinema, library, games and hobby rooms, as well as a wellness retreat with a gym, relaxation/treatments rooms, yoga lawn, covered pool and spa area, pickleball courts, lawn bowls greens, bocce court, barbecue areas and a community garden.

The villa designs would predominantly comprise a combination of two-bedroom/single garage and two-bedroom/double garage configuration but a two-storey option also would be available. 

“There will be easy connection to the broader Aura community through direct access to the extensive walking and cycling network around Aura to support a healthy and active lifestyle,” a Stockland spokesperson said.

“We will continue to work with Economic Development Queensland through the application process.”

Earlier this year, approval for 1100 new housing lots was granted by the Queensland government for Aura, bringing the masterplanned community about halfway to its target of providing lots for 20,000 new homes.