A builder has been appointed to construct a new town centre in the rapidly growing community of Aura, promising a blend of supermarkets and over 50 specialty shops. FDC Construction and Fitout (FDC) will lead the development of the first stage of the Aura Town Centre, a central shopping hub within Stockland’s master-planned community.
The town centre will cover approximately 16,300 square meters and will feature leading supermarkets, two mini-major stores, 55 specialty shops and kiosks, as well as three non-retail tenancies that could house health and wellbeing services or other businesses. A car park with 680 street-level and basement spaces will also be included.
Key Milestones and Future Prospects
Stockland development director Josh Sondergeld emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “The appointment of FDC marks 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. 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 scheduled to begin early next year, with the town centre expected to open by late 2027. As construction progresses, more details will be shared. Once complete, the town centre will connect with the 5.3-hectare Aura Parklands, which began construction in June 2025 and will offer a leisure destination featuring a swimming lagoon, barbecue and picnic areas, and event spaces.
Community and Economic Impact
The new town centre is strategically located near the Comiskey Group’s Aura Hotel, announced in 2022, which will include a live band room with a capacity for 2,500 people. This development is part of a broader vision for Aura, as outlined in the Aura Town Centre Plan of Development approved by Economic Development Queensland in 2016.
The plan encompasses 90,000 square meters of retail space, 45,000 square meters of commercial space, a potential future university, a retirement living site for up to 250 dwellings, approximately 2,700 standard residential dwellings, building heights of up to 10 storeys in key areas, and about 310 hectares of conservation land.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Urban development experts suggest that the Aura Town Centre could serve as a model for future community planning, integrating retail, residential, and recreational spaces. This approach reflects a growing trend towards creating self-sustaining communities that reduce the need for long commutes and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Historically, such developments have revitalized local economies by attracting new businesses and residents. The Aura project is expected to follow this pattern, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth and social fabric.
Looking Ahead
The Aura Town Centre represents a significant investment in the future of the community, aiming to provide essential services and amenities to its residents. As construction begins, the community eagerly anticipates the transformation that this development will bring.
As Aura continues to grow, the town centre will likely become a focal point for both residents and visitors, offering a diverse array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The completion of this project will mark a new chapter in Aura’s development, setting a benchmark for future urban planning initiatives.
