Construction has officially begun on the Aura Town Centre, a transformative retail, dining, and entertainment precinct within Stockland’s largest master-planned community on the Sunshine Coast. The development will feature two major supermarkets, Woolworths and Aldi, alongside a variety of services and specialty retailers, marking a significant milestone for the region.
Spanning approximately 16,300 square meters, the first stage of the Aura Town Centre will include two mini-majors and about 55 specialty retailers and kiosks. Stockland’s executive general manager of town centres, Marco Ettorr, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “Today marks an important milestone for both our retail business and the Aura community, with construction now underway on the new Aura Town Centre.”
The Vision for Aura Town Centre
The announcement comes as Stockland aims to showcase the strength of its diversified business. “The project showcases the strength of Stockland’s diversified business, as we work with our residential teams and partner with industry, government, and tenants, to deliver everyday essentials close to home,” Ettorr added. “More than that, we’re creating the heart for a growing community, with the town centre underpinning the 100-hectare Aura City Centre and bringing together parklands, open space, retail, dining, and entertainment.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, underscored the town centre’s importance to the region. “Queensland is open for business and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy,” he said. “A thriving community needs a heart and helps make a development a place to call home.”
Community and Economic Impact
The move represents a significant step for the Caloundra South Priority Development Area, with Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton highlighting the project’s potential to bolster local infrastructure and job opportunities. “As our community continues to grow, it’s essential that infrastructure, services, and local job opportunities grow with it,” she remarked. “Importantly, this development will help strengthen Aura as a connected and vibrant community hub.”
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the centre’s role in fostering community connections. “It’s wonderful to see this town centre taking shape, bringing the heart of this growing community to life,” she said. “This will be a place where people can truly connect, meet friends, and enjoy everything on offer.”
Retail and Employment Opportunities
Woolworths Queensland senior property portfolio manager leasehold Anthony Duggan expressed excitement about the new store’s potential. “Customers will have the opportunity to shop in-store from a range of everyday essentials or place an order for Direct to Boot or home delivery,” he noted. “This modern Woolworths supermarket will create a number of jobs throughout construction, and ongoing, to complement and support the growing region.”
Over the next 20 years, the community is expected to grow to more than 50,000 residents across 20,000 homes, while supporting more than 15,000 jobs across the region.
Looking Ahead
Designed to integrate with the 5.3-hectare Aura Parklands, currently under construction, the town centre will also be adjacent to the future Aura Hotel operated by the Comiskey Group. This development is set to create the retail and mixed-use heart of the 100-hectare Aura City Centre. Developed, owned, and managed by Stockland, the Aura Town Centre is being built by FDC Construction & Fitout and is expected to open in late 2027.
The move follows a broader trend of integrating retail, residential, and recreational spaces to create cohesive community hubs. As the Sunshine Coast continues to expand, projects like the Aura Town Centre are crucial in supporting sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
As construction progresses, stakeholders and residents alike are eager to see how the Aura Town Centre will shape the future of the community, providing a vibrant, interconnected space for shopping, dining, and recreation.
