MELBOURNE: OSK Property and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) commenced construction of AURA, an A$800mil (RM2.29bil) residential tower within the A$3.5bil (RM10.01bil) Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank.

Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were Melbourne deputy lord mayor Roshena Campbell, OSK Group executive chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat, group managing director Ong Ju Yan, deputy group managing director Ong Ju Xing, executive director Datuk Saiful Bahri Zainuddin and OSK Property Australia chief executive officer Woon Chong Boon, alongside representatives from EPF and construction partner Multiplex.

The 67-storey tower will comprise more than 670 apartments alongside approximately 1,800 sq m of retail space. AURA forms the third stage of Melbourne Square and is being constructed by Multiplex, with completion targeted for early 2030.

“AURA represents a unique lifestyle experience for residents which brings together the calm, clarity and simplicity of Japanese design. Its construction marks a major milestone for the ever-evolving Melbourne Square precinct,” said Woon.

Prices start from A$565,000 (RM1.62mil), with the development offering studio, one, two and three-bedroom units as well as penthouses and Mira Terraces with larger outdoor spaces. Designed with Japanese influences, AURA will feature several levels of resident amenities focused on wellness, recreation and social spaces.

“AURA is not just another tower. It represents the next chapter in the Melbourne Square story, continuing our vision of creating a connected and thriving community in the heart of Southbank,” said Leong Huat.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks another important milestone for Melbourne Square and continues our long-standing partnership with OSK on one of Melbourne’s most significant residential precincts. We’re proud to be continuing onsite and look forward to working alongside OSK and our delivery partners to bring AURA to life,” said Multiplex regional managing director Ross Snowball.

"This $800 million investment in our city is not only good news for Southbank but it’s also a huge vote of confidence in our city. AURA at Melbourne Square promises residents access to all that we love about Southbank - easy access to public transport, a world-class hospitality scene and close proximity to the city’s arts precinct and the Royal Botanical Gardens,” added Campbell.

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