Construction starts at Sceniq Bilambil Heights
Brisbane developer SKF Development has officially commenced construction of its Sceniq Bilambil Heights residential subdivision, where just a handful of lots now remain for sale in the first release of the $59 million project.
Tweed Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Meredith Dennis, and Councillor James Owen joined SKF Development Director Eric Zhao, representatives from CD Civil and land buyers at a sod-turning ceremony for the project which has been hailed as a vital contributor to housing supply for the Tweed region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sceniq to Bilambil Heights and delighted that construction of this new project is officially under way,” said Dennis.
“This new development is a welcome addition to The Tweed, delivering 100 residential homesites that bring much needed supply, are affordable and exactly what our region needs.
“This addition to housing supply comes at the perfect time to cater for our fast-growing population, with existing properties being tightly-held in this sought-after region.”
SKF Development reports strong demand for land at Sceniq Bilambil Heights, with the first stage comprising 30 elevated homesites already 80 per cent sold after spending only a couple of months on the market.
The residential subdivision, located on a 15.8ha site bounded by Walmsleys Road and Stott Street, has struck a chord with buyers drawn to large homesites averaging 1,200 sqm, many with ocean and hinterland views, and a masterplan that incorporates a community park for residents.
“I am honoured to acknowledge the support of the Tweed Shire Council and the collaborative relationship we have enjoyed over many months to bring this project to reality,” said SKF Development Director Eric Zhao.
“The quality homesites we are delivering to this amenity-rich region are second to none and this is reflected in the exceptional demand our team has experienced from predominantly local buyers.
“We are now working with our project team to bring the second stage of homesites to the market as soon as possible to meet the undersupply of residential lots in the Tweed and southern Gold Coast that we identified prior to undertaking Sceniq Bilambil Heights.”
Tweed Shire Councillor James Owen said helping to increasing housing supply in the region was one of the biggest priorities for council.
Tweed Shire Council recently released a comprehensive options paper on its Growth Management and Housing Strategy which asked the community what they thought about the housing options being put forward.
“It’s no secret that we need housing in the shire as soon as possible so hopefully things can progress in a productive way and the Tweed community can start to understand what the options are for them,” said Cr Owen.
“Sceniq is a key part of the future for the council’s housing strategy," Owen said.
“This Bilambil Heights community is a positive step forward for the many people looking to build a new home in the Tweed Shire and I look forward to seeing this long-awaited project come to fruition in the coming months.
“I’m glad to see a ‘locals first’ approach as there will also be buyers flocking from the Gold Coast and further afield in Queensland and people from the southern markets in Sydney and Melbourne.
“This focus on satisfying pent-up local demand in the first stage ensures Tweed Shire residents have the opportunity to secure much needed housing.”
Owen said he was pleased that the project offered a variety of options for different family types with varying budgets, including first home buyers.
“The new Tweed Valley Hospital in nearby Cudgen will employ workers from cleaners to retail staff, nurses and surgeons. There’s a whole range of people with different budgets so it is great to see affordable options on offer.
“With the new Tweed hospital opening in May, local construction workers will be looking for their next projects so it will be great if they can find opportunities here.”
Homesites in the first release were priced from $495,000 to $725,000, with a median price of $545,000. Prices for the second stage will be announced soon.
The release of residential homesites at Sceniq Bilambil Heights comes amid a massive shortfall in new residential housing developments across the Tweed Shire and neighbouring Gold Coast City.
Council’s latest projections indicate the Tweed’s population is expected to grow by between 13,000 and 30,000 people by 2041, with planning required to accommodate an additional 11,000 jobs in the Shire over that period.
SKF Development appointed CD Civil, a local contractor with a strong track record in the area, including works at the Tweed Valley Hospital, to undertake civil works at Sceniq Bilambil Heights, where Stage 1 is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
CD Civil has already completed considerable early works for the project since its appointment late last year.
