The West Australian
The very best development projects in Western Australia, ranging from new land estates to apartments, were recognised last night at the prestigious UDIA WA Awards for Excellence.
UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said the delayed awards, which covered entries from 2020, revealed the value of community to homebuyers.
“There is a common theme among these award winners, with many having a significant focus on high levels of social amenity that benefit residents and the surrounding local community,” she said.
“High-quality development can have a fantastic impact on a local area by not only delivering new housing but by providing greater access to shops, cafes, playgrounds and other public open spaces in close proximity to where people are living.
“It is a strong desire for new homebuyers and existing residents alike to have a range of services and amenities within their local catchment area, and that is what many of these projects are doing at the very highest level.”
The winner of the major award and the highest honour on the night, the Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence, is a case in point.
“Amberton coastal precinct by Stockland is a fantastic example of a project that provides the local community with a much-needed place to meet, play and socialise that goes far beyond your average park,” Ms Steinbeck said.
The project took home the top prize, as well as winning in the UDIA WA Award for Excellence in Social and Community Infrastructure.
“The judges were blown away by the commitment of the developer to provide a community precinct they are calling ‘a jewel in the crown for the northern coastal strip’,” Ms Steinbeck said.
An iconic location in the Perth CBD, The Towers at Elizabeth Quay won in the residential development category – the first high-density development to win in this category since the awards program was launched more than 20 years ago.
“The Towers sets an extremely high standard in Elizabeth Quay for future developments in such a world-class location,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Far East Consortium and architects Cottee Parker have delivered aesthetically stunning buildings that provide added value to the surrounding area with their understated, elegant luxury.”
Looking a little further afield, Ms Steinbeck said the winner of the masterplanned development category, Banksia Grove by LWP Group, Department of Communities and Banksia Grove Development Nominees was a lesson in how to deliver a project over the long term, featuring neighbourhoods that are great places to live, work and play.
An emerging icon for the southern corridor, Rockingham Foreshore, entered by Place Laboratory and TABEC Civil Engineering, won in the urban renewal category, with the project becoming a centrepiece for Rockingham, reinvigorating the local economy and vibrancy of the area.
Emerging as an entry statement for a revitalised South Perth, Echelon by Giorgi won in the medium-density category.
Turning to environmental credentials, Bushmead by Cedar Woods continued as a leader in environmental excellence and sustainability.
The winner in the affordability category, with house and land packages priced under $450,000 just 11km from Perth city, SugarGum Estate by the Department of Communities also features impressive sustainability features.
Both Bushmead and SugarGum Estate are also UDIA WA EnviroDevelopment accredited projects.
Other winners on the night included The Gallery by Satterley for Excellence in Marketing. The project features great design, enticing artwork and cutting-edge technology which has created an attractive, affordable estate that has outsold competitors in the area.
Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community, entered by Hall & Prior and Hassell, won the UDIA WA Award for Excellence in Seniors Living, providing residents a high-quality lifestyle and outstanding facilities.
Hamptons Edge at Mariners Cove by Cedar Woods and The Precinct – Mount Pleasant by Norup + Wilson also received special recognition, receiving the two Judges Awards for particular aspects of their projects.
Rounding off the awards, Fenualla O’Brien from Parcel Property was awarded the UDIA Stockland Young Development Professional Award, while Tamara Smith from 360 Environmental took home the UDIA Women in Leadership gong.
“A huge congratulations goes to all these very worthy award-winning projects,” Ms Steinbeck said. “These awards showcase excellence across our industry and provide leadership in quality and innovation that sets an example for all in the industry.”