Critical housing undersupply in northern New South Wales is tipped to drive fierce competition for one of the largest development sites released on Australia’s east coast in the last decade.

Known as Cabarita West, the development site will officially come to market on April 16 for a five-week Expressions of Interest campaign.

Stretching across roughly 330 hectares, it has an opportunity to provide more than 1500 lots, subject to council approval.

JLL senior executives Jake Burrowes and Liam Petersen, both qualified town planners, are handling the sale alongside JLL Queensland managing director Paul Noonan.

Mr Burrowes said development of the former horse stud had potential to qualify as a Regionally Significant Development and was ideally positioned for a master-planned community, subject to council approval.

“The greenfield site, just a five-minute drive from Cabarita Beach, represents one of the few remaining undeveloped urban growth areas identified within the North Coast Regional Plan,” he said.

“As a result, it will be charged with providing a large portion of the region’s much-needed future housing supply, at scale.

“It’s a prime opportunity for someone to come in and realise their vision for a fully sustained live, work and play community.”

Mr Petersen said the current owners had held the land for more than 25 years.

“Noting the housing crisis which is impacting the area, they understand it’s an opportune moment to free up the land for residential development,” he said.

“Not only does it offer capacity to meaningfully address an acknowledged housing undersupply, it also provides strong regional connections through its proximity to the Pacific Motorway.

“This includes the employment, business and lifestyle opportunities in neighbouring communities such as Byron Bay, and critical amenities such as the new $720 million Tweed Hospital, due to open in May, which is only 15 minutes away.”

Cabarita West features an elevated section called One Tree Hill, which is named for its solo tree and offers uninterrupted views south and north along the coastline from Coolangatta to Byron Bay.

A concept plan for the wider site further encompasses a village heart and neighbourhood, conservation space, childcare and medical, retail, and services and trades, subject to council approval.

330ha Cabarita West development site for sale JLL