Best Heritage or Adaptive Reuse Development

Home Innovation & Excellence Best Heritage or Adaptive Reuse Development

This award recognises innovation excellence in heritage related development or adaptive reuse projects. The award recognises outstanding conservation projects, adaptive reuse of existing buildings/sites or high-quality infill development within a historic context.

Eligible heritage projects must be listed on a local, state or national or world heritage register. Projects involving the renewal of historic precincts that are listed or contain listed buildings are also eligible.

Eligible entrants will be projects, developments or refurbishments that have been completed by 31 December 2023 (completed in the past 5 years) and have been operating for at least one year as at 31 December 2024 and have not previously won the award.

The award is open to members of the Property Council of Australia only. The nominator or owner of the entry must be the member.

Nominations close 11:59pm 26 March 2025
Nominations are only accepted via the online portal

2025 Finalists

Chadstone Place - VIC

Nominated by ADP Consulting

Owned by Vicinity Centres

Landmark adaptive-reuse development Chadstone Place is the only fully electrified building in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating, 5.5 Star NABERS rating and, for the first time, International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Zero Carbon certification, setting a new standard for innovative, sustainable property development nationwide.

Gordon Quarter - NSW

Nominated and owned by Anglicare

Gordon Quarter is a boutique heritage development of 40 luxury retirement residences and 107 aged-care rooms in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Architecturally-designed to complement the estate’s heritage-listed buildings including Burnham Thorpe with its sweeping terrace and staircase overlooking a resort-style pool, it is a showcase of adaptive reuse.

Reviving History: Landcom Transforms Mont St Quentin Oval into a Vibrant Community Hub - NSW

Nominated and owned by Landcom

Landcom’s redevelopment of Mont St Quentin Oval in Edmondson Park merges heritage preservation with community needs. The historic WWII parade ground has been transformed into a vibrant hub, serving as both a sporting venue and a symbol of community pride, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Greater Western Sydney.

State Library of NSW Auditorium - NSW

Nominated by INTREC Management

Owned by State Library of NSW

INTREC's refurbishment of the State Library of NSW masterfully integrates heritage conservation with cutting-edge technology, creating a world-class 344-seat auditorium and seamless public spaces. This $12M transformation showcases innovation in structural engineering, heritage sensitivity, and acoustic excellence, setting a new benchmark for adaptive reuse projects in Australia.

The Peacock Centre

Nominated by Xsquared Architects

Owned by Department of Health

The Peacock Centre is Tasmania’s first mental health project to support the world standard Trieste model of mental health care. Design focuses on a non-institutional ambience, with the heritage-listed Peacock House, which has been restored from the brink of collapse to its original condition, at its heart.

Wesley Place - VIC

Nominated and owned by Charter Hall

Charter Hall has transformed Melbourne’s Wesley precinct into a showcase heritage development and thriving public and commercial destination. Wesley Place is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Melbourne, blending history, architecture and modern workplace design to create a landmark precinct that respects the past and enriches the present.

White Bay Power Station - NSW

Nominated by FDC and Placemaking NSW

Owned by Placemaking NSW

One of the most recognised landmarks in Sydney, White Bay Power Station has been brought back to life after lying dormant for more than 40 years. Following an extensive two-year conservation project, White Bay Power Station has powered up as a beacon of art, culture, and creativity.

Woolworths Clarkson - WA

Nominated by Woolworths

Owned by ISPT

Woolworths Clarkson revitalised a vacant, derelict warehouse into a thriving retail hub, celebrating its industrial heritage. Innovative design preserved the building's scale, while contemporary elements created a vibrant community space. Sustainable practices and strong financial outcomes highlight the project's success.

Yarraville Place

Nominated by ID_Land

Owned by ID_Land & SHAPE Homes

Yarraville Place by ID_Land revitalised Australia’s first Woollen Mills site, preserving its heritage while creating a thriving residential community. The project integrates heritage conservation with sustainable design, enhancing the local streetscape and delivering diverse housing options in Yarraville’s village setting.

2024 Winner

Capella Sydney (NSW)

Capella Sydney, emerges from a meticulous seven-year restoration of the former Department of Education building, seamlessly blending classic architecture with contemporary elegance. This heritage-listed icon sets a global standard for hospitality, dining, and cultural fusion, offering 192 rooms and vibrant communal spaces for a transcendent experience amid Australia’s rich panorama.

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2024 Finalists

25 Martin Place Retail Development - NSW

Nominated by Dexus

Owned by Dexus

The $170m development of 25 Martin Place has reinvigorated this iconic building through the refurbishment of the historical Theatre Royal, the addition of over 6,000 sqm of retail and the creation of a thriving dining precinct, cementing it as the preeminent destination for luxury retail, dining and entertainment in Sydney.

Her Majesty's Theatre Redevelopment - SA

Nominated by Cox Architecture

Owned by Adelaide Festival Centre Trust

Her Majesty’s Theatre is the embodiment of achieving best practice adaptive reuse design paired with exceptional built outcomes. The public acclaim to date, and successful performances, point to a significant uplift in the performing arts and cultural life for South Australia and installs the next chapter in the HMT legacy.

2023 Winner

Locomotive Workshop, South Eveleigh

The revitalization of the iconic Locomotive Workshops has delivered a unique new workplace, culture and heritage hub for Sydney. With the design philosophy focused upon creating a great urban experience, the Locomotive Workshops will become a new destination, making a positive contribution to Sydney and its rich heritage.