What’s happening?
Construction has begun on the final stage of Oak Tree Retirement Villages boutique community at 136 Platz Street, Darling Heights. This stage will complete the village with 35 new villas.
A groundbreaking event marked the start of works and was attended by Councillor Tim McMahon from Toowoomba Regional Council, Oak Tree Group CEO Christine Gilroy, Acting General Manager Cameron Goffage, the Oak Tree team, McNab Executive Chairman Michael McNab, residents, and local project partners.
Why it matters
Cr Tim McMahon said the milestone is important for the region. He said, “This is an important step forward for our community. As our region continues to grow, it’s essential we invest in quality housing solutions that support senior residents to remain connected, comfortable, and close to everything they value.”
The new stage responds to demand for high quality seniors living in Toowoomba.
Local impact
The new stage has a total investment of more than $20 million. This lifts Oak Tree’s total investment in Toowoomba to more than $32 million.
Oak Tree is also working with local trades and suppliers which supports local jobs and industry. The project sits next to Oak Tree’s development at 134 Baker Street which has 58 homes. When both sites are complete, Toowoomba will have 113 Oak Tree villas for local seniors.
By the numbers
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The Platz Street village will have 55 villas in total with two and three bedroom designs and shared community amenities.
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The new stage carries an investment of more than $20 million which brings Oak Tree’s total investment since inception to more than $32 million.
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A combined 113 villas will be delivered across Platz Street and Baker Street.
Zoom in
Shared amenities at Platz Street include a Village Centre, outdoor swimming pool, bowling green and a central space where residents can socialise. The first villas will be available from Q3 2026.
Full completion is planned for Q1 2027. Oak Tree Group CEO Christine Gilroy said, “We’re proud to be growing our presence in Toowoomba, when all works are complete, a total of 113 villas across two retirement communities will be delivered.”
She also said, “We’ve invested in the region since 2012 and are honoured to give local seniors the opportunity to downsize and retire in a place they know and love.”
Zoom out
Oak Tree has invested in Toowoomba since 2012. The new stage complements the Baker Street village which sits next door. Luke Thomas, Group Development Manager, said, “Partnering with local businesses is central to how we work.”
He said the aim is to build strong community relationships while delivering retirement homes. Oak Tree is owned by Aware Super which is a long term investor in communities that support the wellbeing of older Australians.
What to look for next
The next milestone is the release of the first villas in Q3 2026. Full completion is expected in Q1 2027.