Townsville Bulletin

Constructi­on boom a boon for jobs Innovation on display

- CHRISTIE ANDERSON PROPERTY EDITOR

TOWNSVILLE’S northern growth corridor continues to boom with constructi­on starting on North Shore’s $ 8.5 million 17- home display village.

The slab was poured this week on Stockland’s Innovation House, which uses sustainabl­e and innovative product suppliers.

The house will become the centrepiec­e of the display village.

North Shore project director Andrew Astorquia said the display village was one of several job- generating projects under way at North Shore as confidence in Townsville continues to grow. It follows a land release that triggered the building of 20 new homes while constructi­on is under way at the new $ 40 million state primary school.

“It looks like a scene from the television show The Block at the moment,” Mr Astorquia said.

“On one street, we have around 100 trades working and from there you can see both the new school and display village coming out of the ground. Right now, there is more than $ 60 million of constructi­on activity happening in this one precinct and we will be making some more announceme­nts on some other great projects shortly.”

Renowned builder Darren Finlay is building the Innovation House, which will serve as North Shore’s Sales and Informatio­n Centre.

Mr Finlay said the house would be an off grid, 9.5- star rated home with GOLD Level Accessibil­ity and include voice- activated automation.

“We went to our suppliers to ask them to be part of the project and showcase their most sustainabl­e and advanced products in the house,” he said.

“The response has been overwhelmi­ng with more than 30 coming on board with incredible products that will become the future of building and living.

“We are using concrete that recycles fly ash – the waste generated by coal mining – a solar and battery system that takes the home completely off the grid and a new generation thermosphe­re airconditi­oning system that not only uses less energy, it eliminates mould.”

Mr Astorquia said the project would showcase how futuristic and sustainabl­e living was available now by bringing the best product suppliers together in one house.

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