In 1966, Oxley Lodge, considered the very first apartment block in town, was constructed in Redcliffe. This pioneering project, situated at the corner of Steven Street and Prince Edward Parade, introduced 10 luxury home units to the Peninsula skyline.
A Vision Realised
With the help of W.H. Stokes and Sons Pty Ltd. and Kevanne Pty Ltd., Corbett, Ryan, and Walsh of Redcliffe’s architectural prowess, Oxley Lodge set a new standard in residential living, offering four distinct floorplans with prices ranging from $13,500 to $16,250.
The Redcliffe Herald of the time highlighted the immense interest, with reports of 20 daily enquiries about the units, which were sold upon completion rather than off the plan.
Market Hesitations and Realisations
John Barnes of Goldsworthy Real Estate, who managed property sales, initially had reservations about the rapid sale of the units, citing Redcliffe’s unfamiliarity with such developments.
However, he underscored the value offered, noting that buyers needed time to assess their options. The units, constructed from clay cavity bricks with plaster walls, featured sliding aluminium windows and fly screens. Each unit boasted two bedrooms and offered breathtaking bay views.
Innovative Features
Prominent in the promotion was the complex’s proximity to the Redcliffe business centre, beachfrontage, and panoramic vistas. Each unit was a comprehensive home, complete with back and front entrances, and individual car accommodations, and was specially wired to accommodate television sets without the need for multiple antennas.
The typical layout included two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a lounge-dining room, kitchen, pantry, bathroom, toilet, laundry facilities, and external balconies, complemented by ample cupboard space.
The Redcliffe Herald reported on March 16, 1966, that additional modern conveniences included electric stoves, hot water units, stainless steel sinks, automatic clothes drying cabinets, and electric food waste disposal units.
After site preparations commenced, following the issuance of a building permit by the Redcliffe City Council, completion followed not long after. The building was named after John Oxley, maintaining its prestigious location overlooking Queens Beach to this day.
Published Date 03-July-2024