Anyone completed a Development in Townsville? / Town Planning advice

[Decimator4000]

Afternoon All,

Looking at completing a development in Townsville in the next 6 - 24 months.

I have read the Thuringowa and Townsville planning scheme (I believe Thuringowa's is still in use, even though they have amalgamated).

My understanding is that for multiple dwellings (triplex and above) you need 1000m2 of land and for dual occupancy you need 600m2 if multi street frontage or 800m2 if other.

Is this a correct interpretation? Does the Townsville Planning Scheme now apply for the once Thuringowa suburbs?

Also, what other advice would you give me in relation to developments in Townsville. Does anyone have a good town planner, surveyor, builder they could put me on to.

I am currently looking in and West End, Hermit Park and if Townsville's Planning Scheme is used throughout previous Thuringowa suburbs, also Rasmussen. Would you invest there/develop there.

By the way, I am looking at a triplex or above. Does anyone know what the building costs are like in Townsville, are they comparative to Brisbane/Toowoomba?

A lot of questions, but thanks in advance for anyone that can answer any of them. Have a nice Queens Birthday.

Deci

 

[JenJen]

Hi Deci
My understanding is that the previous planning schemes are still in place until the new Townsville one is released in the near future. I will be in contact with the council shortly for an update, and can pass on any new information I hear.
I believe the land requirements vary depending on the suburb and zoning specifications. For example, the minimum land for a development in Oonoomba is much smaller than your figures.
In response to your question regarding where to invest, I would probably leave Rasmussen for now, and focus on West End or Hermit Park. Rasmussen is further out, directly under the flight path, and does have its issues. Hermit Park and West End are both good areas which I considered myself. I do have an investment in Hermit Park, and at the time of purchase the council was in the process of restricting further unit development in the area, which might put a spanner in your works. If you're not familiar with it, it's a popular area with great transport and access to everything. Also, check the school zone map for Hermit Park, as it is a highly sought after Primary School with parents moving into the area to get their kids enrolled.
West End is also good. Inner city living, very close to everything.
Regarding development costs, I believe regional area material costs are higher, and you could check these via Archicentre.
Also, you might find something useful here: http://pinterest.com/nqbuyersagent/invest-in-queensland/.
Cheers
Jen

 

[JenJen]

Hi Deci

To add to the above, for quality builders in Townsville, try AP Williams, Finlay Homes or Grady Homes...recommended by someone who has worked in the industry and knows the reputation of the major players. Apparently, some of the others can be a bit dodgy with termite protection! For flexibility of design, try AP Williams. I would not recommend small builders in the current economy.
Also, I have some surveyor contacts for you, courtesy of Townsville Enterprise, but not sure of the reputation of them:

Business Profile
Company: Brazier Motti
Scope of activity: Construction & Trades
Services
Licensed Surveyors - Regional & Urban Planners - Land Development Consultants - Specialising in Residential & Commercial subdivisions, planning, mining and leasing
Phone: 07 4772 1144
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.braziermotti.com.au
Other: Located in Townsville, Cairns, Ayr and Mackay.

Business Profile
Company: Rider Levett Bucknall
Scope of activity: Construction & Trades
Services
Phone: 07 4771 5718
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rlb.com
Other: Quantity Surveyors and Construction Cost Consultants. Independent consultants providing estimating and cost management services to the development and construction industry including cost audits, tax depreciation advice, building insurance advice and contracts advice.

cheers
Jen

 

[Decimator4000]

Jen,

Many thanks for your input. I will continue my research and get back on here soon with an update.

Again, many thanks.

 

[Decimator4000]

By the way, I like your pintrest thing. Very smart way to do things. Well done.

 

[Bhp19]

Progress?

Hi Decimator,

Just wondering if to have progressed any further with this and if so where are you up to, if you don't mind divulging?

 

[Roachy]

Hi Decimator,

Just wondering if to have progressed any further with this and if so where are you up to, if you don't mind divulging?

Hey BHP,

I am Deci.

I have been looking for the past 3-4 months in Townsville. Different sites etc. I'm looking for the right place, where I can build a duplex and keep the existing house. This is proving difficult, but I'm sure once I get up there and start looking it'll be fine.

Are you thinking of doing something like the above mentioned text.

I've been enjoying the challenge of looking.

Roachy.

 

[Bhp19]

Retain and develop

Hey Roachy,

Yeah I'm pretty much looking at the same thing, probably a bit behind where you are at though.
I've found several sites that would be suitable to that type of development but I'm unsure on areas there ie, what suburbs these would be marketable in on construction completion, both for sale of the existing house on a smaller lot and renting the townhouses.
I've been talking with a local builder's office there and they have given me a bit of feedback on areas but I get the feeling it's more based on where they would want to live rather than where the development would succeed, I think I'm best off just looking at numbers.

If you don't mind me asking, what made you focus on Townsville?