Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill officially turned the first sod on the construction of The Avenues at Fairfield Grange, marking the beginning of a new era in the city's retirement options.

Around 40% of Stage 1 of Carinity’s Fairfield Grange retirement living community is already sold off the plan with strong demand for the competitively priced, contemporary development. The Avenues at Fairfield Grange is a major boost in confidence for the local property market.

A future “supported living” stage earmarked for the 6.55ha site represents an estimated total investment of around $85 million in the integrated seniors community adjacent The Precinct Urban Village at Idalia.

Leading retirement village and aged care operator Carinity formally unveiled its 80-villa retirement community which seamlessly integrates with its 96-suite, hotel-style aged-care community The Residences. The not-for-profit organisation opened the three-storey care facility 12 months ago, creating more than 100 permanent jobs.

Carinity CEO Jon Campbell says Fairfield Grange marks a new era in retirement living for Townsville, delivering exceptional quality and value for retirees as well as relying on the local expertise of architects, landscape designers and builders.

“We’ve taken considerable time to engage with local retirees to understand the quality, design and features they are seeking for contemporary living and a lifestyle focused on wellbeing and welldoing,” Mr Campbell says.

“The development delivers two-bedroom villas priced from $367,500 within a local community offering all the conveniences and medical services just steps from your front door. Utilising smart design and appliances, each villa has been independently assessed at an amazing 8.3-star energy rating which means residents can enjoy comfortable living and reduced electricity costs. As well, all villas feature high ceilings, open living, clever spaces, lock-up garages and designer kitchens with European appliances.

“Our vision is to build communities where people feel a sense of belonging, where you truly feel welcome and have the friends and services available for a high-quality lifestyle.”

Mr Campbell says the first stage of The Avenues at Fairfield Grange includes a $4M Community Pavilion, swimming pool and terrace, lawn bowls rink, community gardens and village green.

Mr Campbell says the development is expected to create around 50 new jobs during the construction phase over the next few years. Carinity will create additional permanent jobs when it kicks off its Home Care services in late 2018, enabling older people to live independently at home for longer.

Australian Bureau of Statistics research reveals the Townsville area is the largest 65-plus population in the Northern Region of Queensland. The 70-plus population around Townsville is projected to nearly double in the next 12 years and this will exacerbate a current shortage of quality retirement and aged-care accommodation.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill says Carinity’s ongoing commitment and investment in Townsville represents confidence in the city’s economy and future.

“There is an urgent need for new retirement and aged-care accommodation in Townsville,” Cr Hill says.

“It is comforting knowing residents of Townsville can transition into retirement and aged care accommodation in the same community they have already been a part of so they can stay connected to friends, families and services.”

Cr Hill says the Fairfield Grange offering takes advantage of the existing lifestyle facilities and medical services in the area.

“I welcome this project as it offers affordable housing built for our climate while maximising social and recreational opportunities for residents and is close to public transport,” Cr Hill says.