KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 23): OSK Property, together with the Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia (EPF) and construction partner Multiplex, has officially commenced construction on the A$800 million (RM2.25 billion), 67-storey AURA residential tower.

According to a press statement on Tuesday, the tower forms part of the master-planned A$3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank.

Slated for completion in early 2030, over 140 units of AURA have been sold since its soft launch in the second quarter of 2026.

AURA marks the third stage of Melbourne Square, following BLVD, which is currently under construction with settlements scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Units at AURA are priced from A$565,000, with offerings ranging from studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts to penthouses and the Mira Terraces.

Upon completion, the development will add approximately 1,800 sq m of retail space to the precinct, supplementing the existing 4,300 sq m Woolworths supermarket, BWS, Pacific Asian Grocer, food and beverage outlets, and a Nido childcare centre.

The tower will feature five floors of Japanese-inspired amenities, including the AURA Club and Gardens on Level 7, which comprises a 25m indoor pool, gym, wellness facilities, and an outdoor teahouse pavilion set within landscaped grounds.

Additional resident features include a golf simulator, co-working spaces, the Meridian Club on levels 49 and 50, and the private Cumulus Club on levels 66 and 67 reserved for premium residences.

"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 OSK Property Australia chief executive officer Woon Chong Boon.

OSK Holdings Bhd (KL:OSK) executive chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat added: "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."

Multiplex regional managing director Ross Snowball noted that the builder will leverage AI-enabled technologies and digital construction tools to deliver the complex project. “Having delivered the first two towers, and with BLVD currently under construction, our team brings the experience, project knowledge and innovative ways of working that come from delivering multiple stages of the development," he said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell welcomed the commencement, stating: "This A$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."

The project is backed by a syndicated loan facility led by Maybank International Labuan Branch as co-ordinating mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, alongside The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd (Sydney Branch), Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd, and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd (Labuan International Branch).

Maybank Investment Banking Group chief executive officer Michael Oh-Lau stated that the successful financing highlights the quality of the development and regional financial institution's confidence in OSK's vision.