A builder has been appointed to construct a booming community’s new town centre, which will include supermarkets and more than 50 specialty shops. FDC Construction and Fitout (FDC) will construct the first stage of the Aura Town Centre, a shopping hub in the heart of developer Stockland’s master-planned community.
The town centre will span approximately 16,300 square meters and be anchored by leading supermarkets, two mini-majors, 55 specialty shops and kiosks, and three non-retail tenancies, which could be occupied by health and wellbeing services or other businesses. There will also be a car park comprising 680 street-level and basement car parking spaces.
Strategic Development for Community Growth
Stockland development director Josh Sondergeld emphasized the significance of this development, noting that the appointment of FDC marked another step closer to creating a key retail destination for Aura. “We know the importance of having shops, dining, and services within easy reach for our residents,” he said. “Aura Town Centre will be a high-quality retail, dining, and entertainment precinct just a short drive, cycle, or walk for the community.”
Construction is expected to start early next year with an anticipated opening in late 2027. Further details will be provided as works get underway. Once complete, the town centre will connect with the 5.3-hectare Aura Parklands, a leisure destination including a swimming lagoon, barbecue and picnic areas, and event spaces, which started construction in June 2025.
Integration with Broader Community Amenities
The Aura Town Centre will also be close to the Comiskey Group’s Aura Hotel, which was first announced in 2022 and is set to include a live band room that can accommodate 2,500 people. This integration with entertainment and leisure facilities is expected to enhance the community’s lifestyle offerings significantly.
The Aura Town Centre Plan of Development, approved by Economic Development Queensland in 2016, involves 90,000 square meters of retail, 45,000 square meters of commercial space, a potential future university, a retirement living site for up to 250 dwellings, about 2,700 standard residential dwellings, up to 10 storeys of permitted building heights in key areas, and about 310 hectares of conservation land.
Implications for Local Economy and Lifestyle
The appointment of FDC and the subsequent development of the Aura Town Centre are expected to have far-reaching implications for the local economy and residents’ lifestyle. According to urban development experts, such projects not only provide immediate construction jobs but also long-term employment opportunities within the retail and service sectors.
“The development of a comprehensive town centre like Aura’s is a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new businesses and fostering a sense of community,” said urban planner Dr. Emily Carter.
Meanwhile, the integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the Aura community reflects a growing trend in urban planning towards creating self-sustaining environments. This approach is seen as a way to reduce urban sprawl and promote sustainable living.
As the project progresses, residents and stakeholders alike will be keenly observing the development’s impact on property values, local business growth, and overall quality of life in the area. The Aura Town Centre represents not just a new shopping destination but a pivotal development in the region’s urban landscape.
