WA’s development industry celebrated the best projects in the state at a gala event on Saturday night, highlighting the range of projects that are shaping the future communities and urban places that Western Australians call home.
“The mix of high rise, medium density, urban renewal, along with the more traditional new land developments taking centre stage at the awards reflect the changing nature of Perth and WA’s urban landscape,” according to UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck.
“While we continue to see young families looking to the suburbs for larger family homes, there is a growing cohort of new home buyers seeking smaller, lock and leave homes that offer a range of lifestyle options,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The development industry is successfully responding to buyer demand and also state government plans for a denser, more connected city,” Ms Steinbeck said.
The winner of the major award on the night, the Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence, is a case in point.
Cirque Mount Pleasant, a luxurious apartment building by Stirling Capital, has successfully tapped into the growing downsizer market, with a significant number of buyers from the surrounding area looking to swap their larger, family homes for an easier care, convenient lifestyle.
Cirque was winner in both the Russel Perry and the High-Density categories, with the judges noting that it sets a high benchmark for future development in the burgeoning Canning Bridge precinct.
“Featuring resort style facilities, impeccable finishes, along with significant sustainability features, Cirque is representative of what many downsizers in these types of areas are seeking,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Taking out the Medium Density category, Botanical Apartments in Subiaco by Edge Visionary Living is another high-end apartment project that is catering to those wanting to downsize without compromise.
“The judges could not go past the lush, natural internal areas that truly bring the outside in, along with an impressive rooftop communal area and sustainability measures including smart metering and electric car bays,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Sticking with the medium density theme, Carrington57 by Parcel property, located in the leafy established suburb of Palmyra caught the judge’s eye and received the discretionary ‘judges award’ for its unique design, look and feel that successfully complements the surrounding area.
Nicheliving Willetton was recognised in the affordability category for the quality opportunity this project provides to families seeking a foothold into an established suburb within an excellent school catchment at an affordable price point.
In terms of environmental sustainability, two projects stood out, with Allara by Satterley Property Group and LandCorp recognised as the EnviroDevelopment Chairman’s Choice and The Amble Estate by Yolk Property Group and Department of Communities winning in the Environment category as well as the Residential Development (250 lots or fewer) category.
Allara, located in Alkimos, is an EnviroDevelopment certified project in all six elements including ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community.
Allara features initiatives including bike sharing facilities, an onsite recycling centre, extensive green space, solar panels and energy smart meter monitoring systems for all residents, and a range of fantastic community events.
“The Amble in Girrawheen is an ambitious urban infill project on a former primary school site that has been a catalyst for a more sustainable and connected community in an area characterised by antisocial behaviour and littering,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Among a range of measures, a significant part of The Amble estate’s Sustainable Living Package is the solar PPA – the first of its kind to be offered to homebuyers free of charge by a residential estate in WA, delivering a net 40% discount on daytime solar energy.
Another development focused on environmental outcomes is Bushmead Estate by Cedar Woods, winner in the Residential Development (over 250 lots) category.
“Bushmead is an EnviroDevelopment certified project that offers a range of environmental, health and cost benefits to its residents,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“The judges were impressed with the strong community engagement with residents who are actively involved in community events, sustainability initiatives and planning for their local area,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Heading to the South West, Dalyellup Beach Estate by Satterley Property Group and Department of Communities proved that over two decades this development has stood the test of time, winning in the category for best Masterplanned Development in the state.
“Ultimately set to house over 11.000 residents, Dalyellup Beach Estate features over 50 hectares of parks and gardens, 25 kilometres of bike and walk trails and its own piece of preserved Tuart Forest,” Ms Steinbeck said. “It is a meticulously designed estate with a strong vision.”
Another regional project recognised in the awards program was the impressive Chinatown Revitalisation by the Shire of Broome.
“This project has successfully repositioned Chinatown as the ‘historical heart’ of Broome by engaging meaningfully with the local community and paying respect to the complex cultural history of the area,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Local government was also successful in the Excellence in Social and Community Infrastructure category. The City of Armadale won in this category for the Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre which features a range of fantastic facilities for locals including indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness suite, spa, sauna and zero depth splash pad all heated via a geothermal bore.
In the Seniors Living category, Australis at Rossmoyne by Hames Sharley and Adventist Care was recognised for the fantastic lifestyle opportunities afforded to residents due to the large, well-integrated communal areas and architecturally designed living spaces.
The Excellence in Marketing category featured joint winners, Verge by Now Living and the Claremont Rent to Buy Campaign by Mirvac. Both unique initiatives that are assisting to get more people into home ownership.
Stockland won the inaugural Diversity in Development Award for their commitment and leadership in implementing a comprehensive suite of Diversity and Inclusion policies and programs that are embedded in their organisational culture.
“I congratulate the winners across all the categories that have shown their dedication and commitment to the continued growth and development of our beautiful state,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“These awards are an opportunity for the people of WA to see and understand the quality development that is occurring and how the development industry is contributing to the quality places that make up our community,” Ms Steinbeck said.
Ends.
See all the award winners & finalists here
Download the 2019 Award Winners Supplement here
For more information:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications and Marketing
UDIA WA
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au