DHA’s Chairman, the Hon J.A.L (Sandy) Macdonald, and Managing Director, Ms Jan Mason, hosted local Ipswich resident and original landowner, Mr Andy Rawlings, and Wing Commander Karen Breaden, for the ceremonial sod turning event.
The launch unveils DHA’s Torhaven development to the Ipswich community and marks the inaugural excavation works on the site.
‘As DHA’s first major masterplanned community in the Ipswich region, we are indeed excited to mark the beginning of Torhaven,’ Mr Macdonald said.
‘Our vision for Torhaven is to create a sustainable and safe parkland community that’s characterised by high quality homes, tree-lined streets and shared community spaces.’
The $78 million project covers 27 hectares and will comprise 294 land lots. It will deliver approximately 100 homes for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families, supporting the Air Force and Army at Ipswich’s Amberley base. The first allocation of 43 Defence homes is due to be delivered in September 2018.
In addition, approximately $2 million will be spent on parks and open space which will cover about 20 per cent of the site.
Torhaven is a name derived from Tor, a high rocky hill, and haven, a place offering favourable opportunities or conditions. This directly references the site’s natural features and honours the use of the site by the local Rawlings family for over 40 years.
DHA acquired the site on 19 May 2015 from Mr Andrew ‘Andy’ Rawlings and his wife, Sandra, who are members of the same Ipswich family that founded Rawlings Shoes and Menswear in 1898. The Rawlings’ store still exists in its original location at 137 Brisbane Street in the Ipswich CBD.
‘To begin this project alongside a family who has called Ipswich home for some 115 years is an honour and is in the true spirit of the community feel we hope Torhaven personifies,’ Mr Macdonald said.
With construction due to start in September-October 2017 and the sales launch of the first 62 retail lots scheduled to start from November 2017, Torhaven is on track to become a core part of Ipswich’s vibrant, rapidly growing community.