Following an application submitted in September 2024, Queensland-based developer GEON has received approval from Townsville City Council for the city’s first large-scale Build to Rent development at the $125m Fairfield & Co precinct in Idalia.
The two 12-storey residential towers will comprise nearly 300 apartments. The scheme is expected to accommodate between 500 to 700 residents, directly addressing the region’s growing demand for rental housing.
GEON’s Executive Director Ben Griffin noted that Fairfield & Co responds directly to the region’s critical need for long-term rental housing, particularly for essential workers.
With detailed design, operational work, and building approvals now underway, construction is expected to begin in 2026.
“This is a major step forward, not just for GEON but for the broader Townsville community. We’re delivering a long-term housing solution in direct response to the region’s urgent need for more rental accommodation – particularly for essential workers.”
Ben Griffin, Executive Director, GEON
GEON’s strategic planning consultant Infinitum Partners was instrumental in securing the approval. Infinitum Partners provided end-to-end support across the approvals process, ensuring the scheme met both planning and community objectives.
“This approval marks a significant milestone for Townsville. It reflects a deep understanding of the region’s long-term housing needs and the power of collaborative partnerships between Government, developers, and planning specialists.
“We’re proud to support GEON in delivering a project that will offer genuine housing choice, support attraction and retention of essential workers, and help build a more sustainable and inclusive precinct.”
Kate Isles, Director, Infinitum Partners
The Build to Rent towers will offer a mix of short and long-term rental options, designed to cater to a broad range of demographics.
Additional features include retail and commercial spaces on the ground floor, two above-ground parking levels with 252 car parks, and a minimum finished floor height of 4.4 metres AHD to ensure flood immunity.
“With nearly ten consulting firms already involved – including four with offices in Townsville, this project will deliver real economic benefits during construction and for years to come.
“This is not only an exciting first for Townsville, but for Regional Queensland as the first Build to Rent outside Southeast Queensland. It demonstrates significant confidence in the regional market and the long-term potential of cities like Townsville.”
Dan Moore, CEO, GEON
The new Build to Rent development marks a strategic expansion of the Fairfield & Co precinct, which has evolved from a large-format retail centre into a mix of experiential, lifestyle, wellness, fitness and food tenants now home to operators such as Beacon Lighting, Pillow Talk, Petbarn, Urban Climb, X-Golf, Fitstop, Fish ‘n’ Flips, Banjos Bakery and KFC.
