Nova anticipation builds

Rebranding in hyped CBD project’s marketing push

THE much-anticipated $550 million Nova development in the Cairns CBD is edging closer with parent company Aspial launching marketing for the project.

The Singapore-based company has taken out a two-page advertisement in today’s edition of the Weekend Post, re- branding the residential and commercial project as Nova City. The project had been referred to as Nova 8 since it was launched in Cairns at the beginning of last year.

Financial documents released by Aspial Corporation to the Singapore Stock Exchange revealed the company had pledged $1.8 million to marketing of its Australian projects, including Nova City in Cairns.

Earlier this month, Cairns Regional Council approved more than $3.5 million worth of infrastructure upgrades tied to the project.

To cater for future growth, council had planned to upgrade a sewer pump station in Hartley St, but the station will instead be moved behind the Nova City development to link with construction of a major drain in Dutton St.

The drain, which was a condition of the Nova development approval, will be built by the developer at a cost of $1.2 million. The developer’s Cairns connections refused to comment on recent developments, including today’s advertisement, but Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said it was a “very positive sign”.

“I’ve watched this project proceed and I believe they will make their Australian launch very soon,” he said. “That will be putting units up for sale.”

Cr Manning said the Cairns construction industry should see the latest developments as a positive sign for the city.

“Nothing happens quickly,” he said. “Let’s stop knocking ourselves and believe.”