Stockwell Development Group has applied to Bundaberg Regional Council to build a Solana Lifestyle Resort with 403 single-storey two-bedroom homes over eight stages on 17ha of land at Bargara, a popular location for retirement living communities.
The coastal town, which already has Ingenia Lifestyle Drift, RetireAustralia's Carlyle Gardens, and Palm Lake Resort Bargara, lies 384km north of Brisbane.
Stockwell was founded in 1952 by William and Necia Stockwell, alongside Tom and Norma Rumley, and is now led by William's and Necia's son Mark. The group has four other over 50s resorts in Bribie Island, Hervey Bay, Mackay, and Agnes Water under its Solana Lifestyle brand.
Solana Bargara Pty Ltd bought the eastern part of the Bargara block for $8.55 million in August 2024, RP Data online records show. The western side of the land has been owned by the Steendyk family since 2011. The application includes their consent to the resort’s construction on their land.
The triangular-shaped development would have a community living centre, bowling green, and tennis court, swimming pools, gymnasium, theatre, library, dining room, and a shared residential garden.
Stockwell said in its application the resort would satisfy a need for housing diversity in the Bundaberg region by allowing homeowners to downsize amid the ongoing housing crisis. The resort was ideal for the area given Bargara’s median age was 54, well above the state’s average of 38, Stockwell said. More than 55% of Bargara’s population is aged over 50.
Stockwell, through Stockwell Private Capital, allows the public to invest in its projects. Stockwell Mortgage Income Trust - FM Class (Solana Lifestyle Resorts) is open with a 24-month investment term anticipated and a cash return of 10.5% per year.
