NEARLY two hectares of land – consisting largely of a banana plantation – at Redland Bay is up for sale for the first time in 120 years.
The development sites on Broadwater Terrace and Marine Street consist of 1.7 hectares in the north and a southern parcel, with purchasers able to buy one or both.
The total site size of about 1.9 hectares comes with 36 existing titles and is zoned medium density residential.
Ray White Special Projects Queensland’s Matthew Fritzsche said the site had two existing development approvals, the first a material change of use for a 28-unit apartment building.
“The second approval is on a portion of the northern parcel for mixed use apartment building/tourist accommodation comprising 90 units, shop, and refreshment establishment,” Mr Fritzsche said.
Ian Gordon, who has grown bananas on the site for about 40 years, said five generations had lived on the land.
He said the land was of great historical significance to his family, with their great-grandfather David Slawson originally buying the site around the turn of the previous century.
“David Slawson was a pastry cook who left Kingston upon Thames in England and started a pastry cook business beside TC Beirnes in the valley,” Mr Gordon said.
“He was quite successful at this and is mentioned in the book History of Queensland. He also ran and owned the Redland Bay Hotel and catered for guests to stay on holidays.”
Mr Gordon said Mr Slawson’s daughter Florence inherited the land and later married Charles Gordon, who became the clerk of the Tingalpa Shire before the Redland Shire existed.
“Charles then became the shire clerk of the Redland Shire when it was named,” Mr Gordon said.
“The land was farmed along with other parcels, growing small crops, custard apples and bananas.
“The ownership later transferred to my uncle Robert Gordon and my father Jack Gordon who was councillor and deputy chairman for the local council for a period of 30 years.”
Ray White Special Projects Queensland’s Andrew Burke said the last time the land was available to the market, planning for the construction of the Story Bridge had not begun.
“...So this really is a once in a century opportunity,” Mr Burke said.
Expressions of interest close on Wednesday, March 6.
