‘Cheap land’ on way

ERIN PEARSON
ALLOTMENTS smaller than 300 square metres are set to give Torquay its cheapest land, according to a new Surf Coast development application.
Ritzcorp Developments co-director John Minuzzo told the Independent the proposed 67-hectare estate off South Beach Road would “cater for everyone”.
The 882 lots would range from a “tad” below 300sqm to around 600sqm, Mr Minuzzo said.
“In comparison to prices (in Torquay) it will be better than most people expect.
“We’ve been trying for this for about four years now but it’s a process that takes due time. We’ve had issues with transport and a number of other things but I think it will all be a big plus for Torquay.”
Mr Minuzzo said the development would have a mix of family, retirement and holiday homes.
Surf Coast Shire’s neighbouring Community and Civic Precinct was a “big plus” for the project, he said.
The estate would also have advantages over Armstrong Creek thanks to its views, proximity to the ocean and “lifestyle choices at one’s fingertips.”
The proposed development runs the length of South Beach Rd between Surf Coast Hwy and Horseshoe Bend Rd.
Ritzcorp lodged its planning application after council voted in July against developing an area 1km west of Duffield’s Rd, Spring Creek after months of strong community protests and threats of ministerial intervention on the shire’s 2040 growth plan.
The plan had foreshadowed 1550 allotments in the area.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said land supply would be “sought elsewhere”.
Hayden Real Estate sales consultant Steve Menegazzo said interest in the proposed estate would be high because available land in Torquay’s north was “pretty rare”.
Mr Menegazzo said his Torquay agency sold a 470sqm block in the town’s north last week for around $260,000.
“I think it’s fair to say The Quay is all sold out and South Beach Estate is very similar down toward The Sands, so there’s not a whole lot of land on offer at the moment,” he said.
“Certainly I would think this proposal would be a positive for people wanting to get into the area and wanting to buy at a reasonable price.”