Developed by Malaysian–based UEM Sunrise and designed by Elenberg Fraser, the project was first proposed in 2014, and received approval by then-Planning Minister Matthew Guy in October 2014. Previously named 224-252 La Trobe Street, after the address of the 3,197 m2 (34,410 sq ft) site, the project was later renamed to Aurora Melbourne Central after the natural light display aurora australis, and the shopping centre of the same name.[1][2]
In 2019, when the tower was completed, it was the second-tallest building in Melbourne, at the time behind the Eureka Tower.[3] Aurora will comprise 959 residential apartments and 252 serviced apartments across 86 storeys; as such, it will also be one of the biggest residential buildings in Australia.[4]
Construction on the $730 million project commenced in October 2015 by Probuild,[5] and the skyscraper topped-out in late 2018.[3] Completion is expected in 2019.[6][7]
In 2020 residents in the higher levels of the building recorded snow flurries, an unusual phenomenon for Melbourne.[8]
In 2021 residents of the building reported being disturbed by creaking noises in strong winds. Audio recordings placed the noise arising from the building swaying at 60 decibels.[9]
Melbourne skyline in 2015