What’s happening?
Plans have been lodged for Gatton’s first over-50s lifestyle community, a proposed 267-home estate on Golf Links Drive. The project, called Solara Estate, would be built on a 16.74-hectare site less than a kilometre from the town’s golf course and four minutes from the town centre.
Why it matters
Housing shortages for older residents are a growing challenge in the Lockyer Valley. Bocina Group Managing Director Elijah Turkovic said the shortage already exceeds 600 suitable homes for over-50s, with that figure expected to double in the next decade. “There hasn’t been any new retirement or land lease housing investment delivered to the region in the past two decades,” he said.
Local impact
One-third of Gatton’s residents are over 50. With limited options locally, many have had to relocate to Toowoomba or Ipswich for age-appropriate housing. The proposed development aims to give residents the choice to remain in their community while also freeing up larger homes for families.
By the numbers
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267 homes included in the lodged masterplan.
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600+ homes already needed for over-50s in Gatton, with demand expected to double in 10 years.
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16.74 hectares is the size of the proposed development site.
Zoom in
The masterplan shows single-level two-bedroom homes, including some with a study. Community facilities are also proposed, such as a central clubhouse with a library, cinema, and function spaces, alongside recreational areas including a heated pool, gym, pickleball courts, and lawn bowls.
Zoom out
Gatton sits within a growth corridor, 40 minutes from Toowoomba and less than an hour from Brisbane. The proposal reflects broader demographic pressures, with more regional communities needing to prepare for ageing populations.
What to look for next
The developer has said it will engage with the local community about the proposal and how it would connect with nearby subdivisions. Planning assessments will determine whether the project proceeds.