Stockland Newport : A modern take on living by the Bay
The Redcliffe Peninsula has been slowly evolving having missed the last cycle leading up to the GFC. Yet those who make the effort to visit the area, are often stunned at the level of social infrastructure, foreshore development and village feel. In many respects, the Peninsula is almost tribal with each suburb having its own identity. As a destination it feels much like parts of the Sunshine Coast without the surf beaches. As the gentrification process continues, one of South East Queensland’s oldest cluster of suburbs is again becoming one of its most desirable.
1. When was the site acquired?
Stockland acquired 143 hectares of residential zoned land at Scarborough in the Moreton Bay Region, north of Brisbane, in January 2015. The project, originally known as The Isles of Newport, had been trading for a number of years. At the time this was Stockland’s first major land acquisition in Queensland in five years, demonstrating its confidence in the Queensland property market.
2. How long did it take to get approval?
The approval took less than 12 months, which is a huge achievement in itself for a community of this complexity and is a testament to the cooperation and coordination between Stockland, Moreton Bay Council and the various State agencies.
3. When was the first sod turned?
Late-November 2015.
4. How big will the project be?
The community will be home to more than 5,000 residents upon completion with in excess of 2,000 dwellings and a proposed town centre.
5. What makes Stockland Newport special/unique?
Set in a prime location on the Redcliffe Peninsula, Stockland’s Newport community appeals to residents of all walks of life seeking a laid-back, coastal lifestyle within a picturesque bayside setting. The community, which incorporates a 22-hectare centrepiece lake allowing high-mast access to Moreton Bay, currently features four parks, with three of those on the waterfront.
6. What is the price range for land?
The community caters to a wide range of lifestyles with homes suitable for everyone from first home buyers to premium waterfront buyers. Entry land options range from $249,900 to $427,900. Meanwhile, the Quay precinct offering premium lakefront, canal and dry blocks ranges from $445,900 to $1,330,000.
7. What housing options are available?
One of the benefits of building and settling at Newport is the bespoke aspect: the purchaser can choose from several types of homes to find one that best suits their needs. People are able to choose from townhouses, terraces, units and villas, and free standing homes. For over-55s seeking to slow down, the newly opened Newport Retirement Village offers chic apartment living.
8. How has this project been influenced by the community?
Drawing inspiration from its location on the Redcliffe Peninsula, Newport has been designed as an exclusive waterfront community and everything down to the landscaping has been inspired by the project’s coastal location. Stockland is creating a highly liveable community at Newport where residents can live active and healthy lifestyles. A key feature of that vision is Newport Lake, a 22-hectare non-tidal lake with high-mast boat access to Moreton Bay. This lake is a centrepiece for the project, with residents and visitors alike able to enjoy peaceful walks around the lake, paddle-boarding or a weekend sail. It’s the ultimate location for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle.
In many respects, this project represents a modern extension of existing housing providing options for a broad demographic cohort. There is quite literally a residential product to suit almost everyone.
9. How has this project influenced the community?
Everything that goes into the project’s green star rating – more green spaces with better and safer parks and playgrounds; more sustainable, high-quality material selection; or the connectivity and walkability of the neighbourhoods – makes Newport a great way to live. Residents are already starting to experience this way of life as the project continues to develop. On weekends Spinnaker Park is used by young and old alike, in the afternoons residents can be seen walking their dogs with the newly opened Pilpel Express dining cultivating a new sense of community.
Arguably one of the more interesting aspects of community influence has been in the variety of product being offered. The medium density townhouses have been well received with the urban design feeling more coastal in design than simply another large residential subdivision. At present, there really isn’t anything on the Peninsula with the same scale. As the gentrification process continues to evolve, much of new dwelling options have occurred in mid rise projects. Some streets are now seeing older homes knocked down and more modern houses built, but there is nothing that compares to a whole community of new, modern designed homes. This is a genuine point of difference that is difficult to emulate elsewhere on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
10. Has Stockland Newport won any awards?
Stockland Newport is an award-winning residential project have achieved recognition amongst various professional industry bodies:
· 2019 – UDIA Qld – Awards of Excellence – Master Planned Development Award –Finalist
· 2019 – UDIA Qld – Awards of Excellence – Seniors Living Award – Finalist (Newport Retirement Living)
· 2019 – Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards – Best Landscape Feature (Commercial 2) Spinnaker Park Water Feature, Newport (Eureka Landscapes) – Winner
· 2016 – Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) – Excellence in Sustainable Design – Awarded Five-star Green Rating