Aura Holdings gets go-ahead to build eighth retirement village

The new retirement village will see the addition of three midrise buildings next to Brisbane’s historic and heritage-listed St Francis Theological College campus in Milton.

Aura Holdings, founded by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor, is partnering with the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland for the development providing 75 two- and three-bedroom independent living units across a trio of four- to six-storey buildings with communal facilities opening onto a landscaped commons.

Set to be built in a single stage, Bishopsview Milton, in Brisbane’s inner west, has been designed by Cox Architecture to complement the existing neighbourhood while providing expansive facilities, luxury apartments, and facilitating a vibrant community, the first of its kind in the inner West, Aura said in a statement.

As well as the two-storey Old Bishopsbourne, its other heritage structures include the 1885-built Annexe, the Robin Dods-designed Chapel of the Holy Spirit constructed in 1912 and the college’s Tudor-style buildings completed in 1937-38.

“The proposal blends the historic charm of Old Bishopsbourne and St Francis College with modern facilities of an Aura retirement community, influenced by the site’s natural beauty and scenic views,” a statement by Cox Architecture stated.

“Securing development approval for Bishopsview Milton is a significant milestone for Aura,” Aura Holdings CEO, Sean Graham, said.

“This project is a unique retirement living option that responds to a gap in the market providing future residents the opportunity to downsize to a purpose-built home in a rare, untouched inner-city location.”

The village is located close to cafés, public transport, shopping precincts, river walks, and medical services. Bishopsview will offer a range of facilities and community spaces such as a pool, gym, yoga area, outdoor BBQ and entertaining area, library, and billiards room.

With construction scheduled to be completed in 2028, Bishopsview will be Aura Holdings’ eighth village, adding to Aura’s rapidly growing portfolio across Southeast Queensland.

In the past year, Aura Holdings has also begun construction on The Evelyn Mt Ommaney, due for completion in early 2027, while also completing its seven-stage development at Kingsford Terrace Corinda.