Unison snaps up Hawkins site

Unison Projects will finally unlock the former Hawkins Garden Centre at Albany Creek with plans to deliver a $33 million townhouse project, tapping into unmet demand for high quality medium-density product in the area.The company, associated with Super A-Mart founder John Van Lieshout, has purchased the 3.2 hectare parcel at 623 Albany Creek Road for $3.4 million.Seller Turrisi Properties had gained development approval for an 11,300sqm mixed-use retail precinct on the site, but elected not to proceed and to cut ties with the property.The deal settled on September 29 and was handled by agents Robert Dunne and Peter Tyson, of Savills.Unison Projects’ Shannon Down said the acquisition was in line with the company’s preference for unique, well-serviced infill sites in popular areas.Mr Down said a development application seeking approval for some 70 townhouses on the site would be lodged with Moreton Bay Regional Council before Christmas.“Our proposal will take advantage of the site’s stunning natural attributes and offer rare and natural creek front living,” he said.“We will retain the site’s fig trees and rehabilitate the extensive creek frontage for future residents’ enjoyment.“With only some two of the 3.2 hectares being developed, there will be extensive private green space along the creek for residents’ use.”Mr Down said Unison was keen to capitalise on the area’s popularity, accessibility and pent-up demand for quality townhouse product.He said the architecturally designed townhouses would be well appointed with air conditioning and accommodation for two cars.“We will be delivering product priced in the mid-$400,000s, suitable for new market entrants through to downsizers,” he said.“Albany Creek and Bridgman Downs are well established, beautiful older suburbs of greater Brisbane and this leafy area is very well serviced by retail and medical facilities, public transport, schools and major road links.“We strongly believe there’s a market for this type of dwelling here, especially good quality product suitable for downsizers who want to stay in the area.“Younger buyers are another target market. Entry-level stock in the area is priced in the low to mid $400,000s.“However these are older homes with asbestos which generally require extensive renovation. We want to deliver a product that is new, well designed, requires low maintenance and is attractively priced.“Our aim is to offer ‘brand new’ for buyers who don’t want to take on the burden and risk associated with renovating.”Unison Projects was established in 2001 and has a workbook of 12 projects worth in excess of $280 million.The company was recently recognised as one of Brisbane’s top 100 private companies by Business News Australia.Its current activities include residential land, medium density residential, industrial, commercial and resort projects from the Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay.Its current Brisbane developments include residential subdivisions Parkvue at Oxley and Griffin Pocket at Griffin.