Work has officially started on a highly anticipated $68 million hotel that is expected to create about 150 local jobs once complete.
The Comiskey Group, in partnership with Stockland, has officially broken ground on the Aura Hotel, marking a major milestone for the Sunshine Coast’s largest entertainment venue and one of the largest hospitality developments in Australia.
The ceremonial sod-turning took place this morning within Stockland Aura, Australia’s largest master-planned community, signalling the progression of the project into full construction following the commencement of early earthworks.
The hotel will anchor the Aura city centre precinct, backing on to a future five-hectare South Bank-style parkland. The venue is expected to open in late 2027.
Director Rob Comiskey said it was a significant moment for the project and the region.
“Breaking ground on Aura Hotel is a huge milestone for us and something we’ve been working towards for a long time,” he said.
“With the biggest band room on the Sunshine Coast, capable of hosting up to 2500 guests, we’re delivering a venue that will bring world-class live music to the region in a way that hasn’t been done before.
“This will be the largest venue on the Sunshine Coast and one of the largest in Australia. We’ve hosted artists from Prince to Post Malone across our venues, and Aura Hotel will continue that – bringing major acts closer to home.”
Spanning three levels, the venue will deliver a large-scale, multi-use hospitality experience featuring six bars, expansive indoor and alfresco dining, a gaming room and multiple function spaces.
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The design for the hotel – which was first announced in 2022 – embraces a Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic, with a focus on striking architecture, layered textures and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into how this venue looks and feels from the moment you arrive,” Mr Comiskey said.
“It’s designed to have real impact – from the facade through to every space inside – while still being welcoming, versatile and built for the whole community.”
The Aura Hotel will join the Comiskey Group’s portfolio of entertainment venues, which includes the Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point hotels, as well as The Doonan and Imperial Hotel on the Sunshine Coast.
The Comiskey Group also recently received approval for the controversial Coochin Fields festival site and Coochin Creek Tourist Park.
Stockland Aura project director Josh Sondergeld said the start of construction on Aura Hotel was another strong signal of the momentum building in the development.
“Following the start of construction on the town centre, this milestone reinforces Aura as a thriving destination – connecting residents through shared spaces, experiences and amenities, while also attracting visitors to the region,” he said.
“We’re proud to partner with the Comiskey Group to deliver a landmark hospitality venue that will help bring the city to life.
“Positioned alongside the future Aura Parklands and connected to surrounding neighbourhoods by extensive walking and cycling pathways, the hotel will play a key role in activating the 100-hectare Aura city centre and shaping a vibrant heart for the region.”
State Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton also attended the sod turning, welcoming the milestone as a significant investment in the region’s future.
“This is very exciting for Caloundra,” she said.
“We’ve seen the impact the Comiskey Group has had at Eatons Hill and bringing that same opportunity here is incredibly exciting. It’s exactly what locals love – great food, drinks and live music – while also creating valuable jobs for the region.”
