OSK Unveils $800m Skyscraper Plan for Melbourne Square
OSK Property has unveiled the latest stage of its $3.5-billion Melbourne Square precinct at Southbank—the Cox Architecture-designed $800-million Aura development.
The 673-apartment, 67-storey tower at 7 Hoff Boulevard is an homage to the craftsmanship of Japanese design with a material palette inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes, according to the developer.
The project focuses on calm, simple spaces, social amenities, Japanese-inspired gardens and wellness.
OSK Property chief executive Chong Boon Woon said Aura would introduce a vertical wellness ecosystem through a tiered architectural experience.
“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness—its focus on social, physical and mental healthculminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” he said.
“We have been very encouraged by the market’s response to the BLVD offering, and we know there is a strong demand for the level of amenity, service and design that the Melbourne Square precinct is known for.
“Complemented by work-from-home lounges for professionals, family-friendly outdoor garden spaces, and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, Aura will continue our focus on maximising physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.”
Wellness amenities include an indoor pool, cold plunge and spa, gym, reformer pilates studio, yoga room, golf simulator, sauna, steam room and library.
The uppermost levels 66 and 67 will be home to Cumulus Club, including refined lounges, a private dining room, outdoor terrace and premium wellness spaces such as salon and treatment rooms, private spa bath, sauna and meditation and sound therapy rooms, overlooking the neighbouring Arts Precinct and Melbourne CBD.
The Meridian Club on levels 49 and 50 will focus on social spaces with a sweeping lounge bar, conservatory and private dining rooms.
The Cox Architecture-designed building will embody a sleek, rectangular grid aesthetic that takes design cues from New York’s timeless high-rises and Tokyo’s skyline.
The building’s residences will be complemented by about 1600sq m of retail space across the ground floor and first level.
The majority of Aura residences will also include balconies with views across Melbourne’s CBD, Kennedy Park, Docklands, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Arts Precinct.
The tower will build on the strong sales results of BLVD, which is now 80 per cent sold after more than two years on the market.
Cox director Paul Curry said the Aura tower would act as a gateway to the mixed-use precinct.
“Anchored by a park, retail and a welcoming boulevard of trees, Aura will complete the east end of the aspirational Melbourne Square precinct, which began almost ten years ago,” Curry said.
“Adding its own voice, character and personality to the Southbank neighbourhood, Aura’s position on the doorstep of the Arts Precinct and Royal Botanic Gardens will create a unique and engaging landmark for Melbourne.
“The architectural approach is one of minimalism and timelessness. With careful consideration of craft and detail, Aura will represent its own identity within the Melbourne Square skyline.
The Melbourne Square precinct will comprise six towers, with a mix of build-to-rent, build-to-sell, and mixed-use.
The 20,260sq m masterplanned precinct is being developed by the Malaysian developer, OSK Property, in a joint venture with the Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia, the 12th largest pension fund in the world.
The Aura project is due to launch to market this month.
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