DEVELOPER EYES BIG GUNS FOR BEAUDESERT VISION

IT'S the $1 billion project that will double the size of the Beaudesert township, and now its developer is looking for a property big gun to help him finish it.

James Robinson, who has already kicked off the first stage of the Oakland Estate, has put more than 300ha within the project on the market.

Robinson Projects is targeting major developers with an appetite for bringing more than 2000 homesites to the market for the site.

The new masterplanned Oakland Estate, launched last year, is expected to double the size of the Beaudesert township, just south of Brisbane, and deliver a raft of new infrastructure and amenities to the semi-rural region.

The first stage, which is on track for completion next year, includes a shopping centre, family tavern, parklands and a Catholic high school, McAuley College, construction of which has already started.

Greg Woods and Michael Harcourt, of Savills Real Estate, have been enlisted to sell the massive land parcel.

"Robinson Projects has de-risked the development for a major national developer or corporate entity looking for a large, strategically located land bank that they can roll out over several years," Woods says.

"All of the retail, education and commercial amenities for Oakland Estate are being delivered up front, which will underpin sales in future stages and provide a platform for Beaudesert's continued growth."

Robinson says Oakland Estate is targeted at catering for an expected population in the Scenic Rim region which has been targeted by the Queensland Government for a new satellite city.

"The population of Beaudesert is expected to triple over the next 20 years, with some 36,000 people expected to live here by 2036," he says.

"The catalyst for this growth is an increase in employment opportunities in the region, with the nearby Bromelton State Development Area recently signing SCT Logistics to establish a $30 million intermodal freight precinct adjacent to the Sydney-Brisbane rail line."

Construction of the SCT freight terminal is expected to kick off in March and to be completed in early 2017.

"This project alone will ultimately create up to 1000 direct jobs," says Robinson.

"I am already receiving strong enquiry for stage-one homesites from Brisbane and the Gold Coast as people increasingly become aware of the activity in Beaudesert."

Robinson Projects plans to continue managing the Oakland Estate Shopping Centre and Tavern following the acquisition.

Robinson says his decision to sell is in line with his strategy to expand Robinson Projects' portfolio of commercial assets.

"It has always been part of the plan for Robinson Projects to establish Oakland Estate and to deliver the first stage, including crucial infrastructure and amenities which will ensure the sustainability of the project over the long term," he says.

"I really believe that Oakland Estate has great potential to be a backbone for growth and development in Beaudesert over the coming years, as it will provide much needed new homesites and facilities for the general population."