Construction has officially commenced on a new town centre at the Sunshine Coast, set to feature two major grocery stores and a variety of services. Stockland has broken ground on the Aura Town Centre, a significant retail, dining, and entertainment precinct within the developer’s largest master-planned community.
The initial phase of the centre will cover approximately 16,300 square meters and will include Woolworths and Aldi supermarkets, two mini-majors, and about 55 specialty retailers and kiosks. Marco Ettorr, Stockland’s executive general manager for town centres, highlighted the importance of this development.
“Today marks an important milestone for both our retail business and the Aura community, with construction now underway on the new Aura Town Centre,” said Ettorr.
Community Impact and Economic Growth
The announcement comes as Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, along with Stockland representatives and community members, gathered to officially inaugurate the construction on Thursday. Bleijie emphasized the town centre’s significance to the region’s economy and lifestyle.
“Queensland is open for business and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy,” he stated. “A thriving community needs a heart and helps make a development a place to call home.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton echoed these sentiments, noting the development’s role in supporting the growing community.
“As our community continues to grow, it’s essential that infrastructure, services, and local job opportunities grow with it,” Morton said.
A Vision for Aura’s Future
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli expressed her enthusiasm for the project, which promises to be a vibrant hub for the community.
“It’s wonderful to see this town centre taking shape, bringing the heart of this growing community to life,” Natoli commented.
The Aura Town Centre is designed to integrate with the 5.3-hectare Aura Parklands, currently under construction, and will be adjacent to the future Aura Hotel operated by the Comiskey Group. This will form the retail and mixed-use core of the 100-hectare Aura City Centre.
Retail Expansion and Job Creation
Woolworths Queensland’s senior property portfolio manager leasehold, Anthony Duggan, expressed excitement about the new store in the centre.
“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,” Duggan said.
The construction and operation of the new Woolworths supermarket are expected to create numerous jobs, supporting the region’s growth. Over the next two decades, the Aura community is projected to expand to over 50,000 residents across 20,000 homes, providing more than 15,000 jobs in the area.
Developed, owned, and managed by Stockland, with construction by FDC Construction & Fitout, the Aura Town Centre is anticipated to open in late 2027. This development signifies a major step forward in the evolution of the Aura community, promising to enhance the local economy and provide essential services to its residents.
