We're going up on The Downs
Construction work is under way on our much-anticipated The Ninth Middle Ridge retirement community within the Toowoomba Golf Club.
Aura Holdings’ sixth village is being built inside the historic golf club on Rowbotham Street in the prestigious suburb of Middle Ridge on the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range, ensuring it will be as peaceful as it is picturesque.
The Ninth Middle Ridge promises something very special for retirees on the Darling Downs in a luxurious vertical village with 79 apartments overlooking treetops instead of rooftops.
The pet-friendly village will offer two, three and four-bedroom apartments, including six spacious penthouses with expansive views of the stunning 55 hectare golf course.
Toowoomba Golf Club members David Goss and Nancy Young were among The Ninth’s first deposit-holders, choosing a spacious three-bedroom apartment. The keen golfers both play two or three times a week. Nancy is a life member after serving as the club’s first female president.
David says they are eagerly awaiting the time when they can call the golf club their home. “We can’t wait and are looking forward to living at The Ninth – the sooner the better,’’ he says.
“Our decision to move to The Ninth came as a result of a combination of factors including the fact Nancy has some recent health concerns. It became a sensible decision to look at something that will put us in a good position for the future.
“We also like the idea of living right on the golf course and it’s in Toowoomba because we have no desire to move away. My daughter who has a senior role in the senior living industry looked at the project and was very impressed with the quality, setup and conditions. She really encouraged us to make the move. 
“It will be the ideal situation. We will have three bedrooms so family can visit and we won’t be restricted to living only in our apartment with all the facilities including outdoor barbecue areas.
“Everything will be done for us and we won’t have the maintenance of our current 110-year-old house. When we can travel again, we will just lock up and leave.’’
Experienced retirement village builder and home-grown Toowoomba company McNab has been appointed to the project with Cox Architecture.
The Ninth Middle Ridge has been designed for easy mobility to allow our independent-living residents to age safely in place. The vertical village provides lifts for easy access to all communal facilities, making navigation around the community secure and safe in all weather conditions.
While residents will live independently, support and care services can be delivered to your apartment if needed to allow you to live at home just the way you desire. In-home support services can be provided through your government package or fund it privately.
Residents will enjoy a private, maintenance-free lifestyle in the low-rise development with facilities, including a gym, billiards area, wine room, library, craft room, lounge, multi-purpose function room, outdoor entertaining and barbecue areas, and the convenience of a community bus.
Aura Holdings’ director Tim Russell says it is exciting to see construction progressing on the site beside the ninth hole after delays in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Despite an unavoidable delay to the start of construction, Aura has continued to be firmly committed to this project. I am thrilled that things are now moving on this exciting project for Toowoomba,’’ Tim says.
“The construction of the village is delivering a boost to the Darling Downs, employing local contractors and the Toowoomba-grown company, McNab. It is a much-anticipated development for Toowoomba Golf Club members, current residents who love the area and retirees who are attracted to Toowoomba’s lifestyle and facilities.’’
McNab senior project manager Dan Rowe says the McNab team was excited to have commenced construction on the project. “Having been involved with Aura Holdings and the Toowoomba Golf Club team throughout the planning and design, we are thrilled to see activity occurring on site with local subcontractors and suppliers,’’ Dan says.
The Ninth is the third joint project for Aura Holdings and McNab.
Richard Colson, director of Cox Architecture, says maximising the stunning views over the Toowoomba Golf Club was a priority when designing The Ninth.
“Ranging in height from two to four storeys and ‘stepping’ to maximise impact on neighbouring residence, the buildings are carefully sited to minimise the removal of existing vegetation and maximise views across the golf course and the range,’’ Richard says.
“The Ninth has been structured around the creation of a ‘village square’ at the heart of the three buildings. The village design and philosophy are about a generous community focus whilst maintaining privacy for residents and consideration of the course’s neighbours.’’
Tim says The Ninth will deliver something very special, unlike anything else offered west of Brisbane. “The Ninth will have equal appeal to golfers and non-golfers who want to live in such a beautiful, peaceful and secure community of friendly, like-minded neighbours. Our residents can live the independent lifestyles they crave with a range of support services delivered to their apartment if needed,’’ Tim says.
“This is a keenly awaited development for Toowoomba Golf Club members and retirees who are attracted to Toowoomba’s lifestyle and all its facilities. This is retirement living for the 21st century.’’
Construction of The Ninth is due for completion by the end of 2022.
Apartments are selling now from $595,000 and can be reserved with a $5,000 fully-refundable deposit.
For more information about retiring to The Ninth Middle Ridge, view floorplans or compare apartment pricing, please call (07) 4602 9099 or email live@theninthmiddleridge.com.au