"We believe in thinking big and acting quickly to unlock potential," says Anwar Syahrin.
MELBOURNE: Leading Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise
is building a A$770 million mixed-use development called "Aurora" in the shape of a hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower.
This was announced on Wednesday at the ground-breaking ceremony at the site in La Trobe St.
At 92 stories, the development will be the tallest in the Melbourne central business district (CBD) and will create a new focal point for the CBD.
Aurora is Melbourne's only residential development with a direct underground connection to the rail network, the Melbourne Central Station, as well as, the CBD's largest continuous retail precinct comprising Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Emporium, Myer, David Jones, GPO and the Bourke Street Mall.
The development has all the conveniences at its doorstep including RMIT University, State Library of Victoria and two tram super stops, enabling travel to other key attractions within minutes.
UEM Sunrise managing director and chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said: "The development will have 941 units of which 95% have been sold in quick time. The project would take four years to be completed.
"We believe in thinking big and acting quickly to unlock potential; to thrive in a changing world."
Anwar said UEM was delighted to be working with such reputable architecture firm as Elenberg Fraser and tier-one construction company Probuild.
Founder and director of Elenberg Fraser, Callum Fraser, said Aurora was a unique expression of Melbourne's future.
"Inspired by a budding hibiscus, the building is brought to life by a simple geometric modularisation, where elegant tapering curves revolve seamlessly through axial symmetry to reveal a flower in bloom.
"Our aim is to outwardly convey a rich fusion of Malaysian culture and local Melbourne eccentricity through the building design.
"It has been designed to create a new epicentre for the Melbourne CBD.
"In every direction, the unique curves of the tower's special glass coating will provide a dynamic and beautiful addition to the Melbourne skyline, reflecting the iridescent silver, blue and rose hues from the bay, the city and the mountains beyond," he said.
Fraser said Aurora will play a pivotal role in the next stage of the City's growth through "regeneration and activation" of street frontages.
Part of the development will see the rejuvenation of the laneway between La Trobe St and Little La Trobe St, which will also be activated with exciting retail spaces and improvement to the development's connection to Melbourne Central Lower Retail.
In addition, upgrades will be made to Melbourne Central rail station to provide better access for commuters. - Bernama
