From skyscrapers to retirement living complexes, outstanding developments across the nation have been recognised in the Property Council of Australia (PCA)’s Rider Levett Bucknall (RLE) State/Territory Development of the Year Awards.
Each year as competitors enter the PCA/RLB Innovation and Excellence Awards (Australia’s most prestigious property awards program) they are automatically considered for the State/Territory Development of the Year Awards.
Through the program, the organisations aim to acknowledge the ‘best of the best’ property in each state/territory of the nation.
RLB has partnered with the Property Council to present the awards program since its inception in 1982.
The developments are judged against all other developments in that state/territory and are not based on the category initially entered the National Awards.
Judging for both National and the State Development of the Year Award takes place simultaneously with projects across all development categories judged against one another in each region.
The 2019 State/Territory Development of the Year Awards were held at an event held locally across the nation.
The PCA/RLB Innovation and Excellence Awards will be held at a prestigious Awards Gala Dinner on 17 May 2019.
Queensland
This year a skyscraper that reshaped the Brisbane skyline took out Queensland’s top property award.
1 William Street, the 46-storey office which is now home to the Queensland Government and public service, was presented with the Queensland Development of the Year award at a cocktail reception yesterday evening.
Building owners Cbus Property and ISPT were praised for an innovative approach to development that delivered a significant and striking addition to the Brisbane skyline.
Property Council’s Queensland Executive Director, Chris Mountford, said that 1 William Street was a major catalyst project for the Queens Wharf precinct.
“This landmark commercial tower has reintegrated an undervalued section of the foreshore back into the physical and social fabric of Brisbane city,” he remarked.
Managing Director of RLB in Brisbane, David Stewart, also commented that 1 William Street has enhanced connectivity between the Brisbane River, the city and the Botanical Gardens, activating the public realm with new pedestrian linkages and landscaped terrace zones that introduce a new public amenity to the precinct.
“RLB is proud to have provided cost management and quantity surveying services to Cbus Property to revolutionise the way we think about offices in Brisbane and to set a new benchmark for government accommodation across Australia,” Mr Stewart added.
New South Wales
Australia’s first engineered timber office, International House Sydney, picked up the state’s top property award.
Designed by Tzannes architects and completed in April 2017, International House Sydney now stands six storeys high.
Each floor was constructed entirely from cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber – including floors, columns, walls, roof, lift shafts and stairs.
The timber structure is supported by a ground retail level of conventional concrete.
The building delivers an open, flexible floorplate, with a total floor space of 7,000 square metres and a striking design featuring recycled hardwood colonnades and an exposed timber structure.
Property Council’s NSW Executive Director, Jane Fitzgerald, said that International House demonstrates that mass timber construction is a viable alternative to conventional construction and stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainable design excellence.
“The well-documented health and sustainability benefits of using timber in the built environment have contributed substantially to its market appeal, securing a single, well-known financial services tenant for the entire building,” she commented.
Australian Capital Territory
A development that reimagines retirement living received ACT’s top property award.
Designed by AMC Architecture and owned by Goodwin Aged Care Services, The Central resides in Crace, Gungahlin, and is a mixed-use development on a compact 1.2-hectare site.
The development features apartment and townhouse living, as well as a central clubhouse and ground level commercial tenancies that support both residents and the wider community.
Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Adina Cirson, believes that as Canberra’s population grows and ages, it is essential that our retirement living sector is enabled to provide a diverse range of housing choices for Canberrans looking to ‘rightsize’ in locations that are connected and underpinned by placemaking principles.
“Goodwin took a risk to develop The Central outside of an established area, and in doing so has shown how retirement living can be the catalyst for an entire community,” she said.
Western Australia
A timeless addition to Perth’s skyline, Brookfield Place Tower 2, successfully took out WA’s top property award.
Developed by Brookfield and built by Multiplex, Brookfield Place Tower 2 reached practical completion in 2015, cementing Brookfield Place Perth as one of Australia’s most significant commercial precincts.
Comprising 34,000 square metres, the Premium-Grade commercial office tower features a ground floor foyer, 16 upper floors of office space, conference facilities, 110 basement parking bays and a childcare centre.
The precinct’s retail, dining and entertainment options have since made Brookfield Place a go-to destination.
“Brookfield Place Tower 2 demonstrates how contemporary, well-considered office development can create a dynamic and vibrant cultural destination enjoyed by the entire community,” commented the Property Council’s WA Executive Director, Sandra Brewer.
Victoria
Elwood House, an innovative apartment development for downsizers that upsizes luxury and lifestyle, received Victoria’s top property award.
Developer Piccolo was applauded for transforming a 1,400 sqm site (previously occupied by the former Elwood RSL club) into Elwood House, a low-lying brick building featuring 30 apartments and three retail tenancies.
“Elwood House emphasises quality of life with a stunning design in harmony with the local community,” says the Property Council’s Victorian Executive Director, Cressida Wall.
“While Elwood House is a modern design, the development reflects the local context of the historic precinct. Piccolo’s approach to development shows how urban regeneration can deliver a real uplift in terms of amenity and aesthetics along our suburban streets.”
Designed in collaboration with Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie, the development was completed in June 2017.