SYDNEY & BRISBANE, Australia, March 2 — Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today announced an investment in Aura Holdings (“Aura”), a leading retirement village developer and operator in Queensland, Australia. Stonepeak’s investment, together with a committed development facility with senior domestic lenders, constitutes up to A$1 billion of available capital to support Aura’s extensive development pipeline and propel its next phase of growth.
Founded in 2016 by seasoned retirement sector executives Tim Russell and Mark Taylor and led by Sean Graham as CEO, Aura specializes in developing state-of-the-art retirement apartments and community facilities in highly sought-after, infill locations. To date, Aura has completed six retirement villages with nearly 800 units across southeast Queensland, with six in the near-term pipeline and more than 10 in early development. Stonepeak’s investment in Aura marks its second platform investment in Australia and New Zealand’s retirement village sector, following its acquisition of Arvida Group Limited, one of New Zealand’s largest retirement and aged care providers, in November 2024.
“We are pleased to partner with the Aura team and utilize our flexible, long-term capital to expand Aura’s development platform by executing on their significant pipeline of new retirement village projects,” said Darren Keogh, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak. “Aura is well-positioned to serve Australia’s retirees given its premium portfolio spanning desirable retirement destinations, proven development track record, and experienced leadership team, who bring a deep understanding of what matters most to seniors.”
“We are delighted to welcome Stonepeak as our capital partner in this exciting new chapter for Aura. Stonepeak see the value in a first-class and growing operating platform,” said Aura Co-Founder Tim Russell. “Stonepeak’s investment gives Aura the runway to accelerate its strategy of adding much-needed, age-appropriate housing in areas grossly lacking suitable downsizing options for locals.”
“Stonepeak’s long-term approach to partnering and working with its portfolio companies, deep experience and relationships in the retirement sector, and clear plan for value creation give us tremendous confidence in Aura’s future. Together, we are poised to continue setting the standard in retirement living in Australia,” added Sean Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Aura Holdings.