128 finalists showcase innovation and excellence in property
An impressive 128 finalists in 19 categories have been named ahead of the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in May.
The awards program, now in its 38th year in partnership with RLB, showcases innovative projects, pioneering solutions and inspiring leadership in Australia’s property industry.
“The property industry is Australia’s largest, employing 1.4 million people and generating $202 billion, or
13 per cent, of the nation’s GDP,” says the Property Council’s Chief Executive, Ken Morrison.
“We are proud to present these awards each year to honour the projects shaping our skylines, our cities and our communities, and to showcase the contribution our industry makes to designing, building and managing great places,” Mr Morrison says.
Each finalist tells a story of city-building in their state or territory.
Among those in contention are the Flinders Street Station Administration Building Exterior Restoration in Victoria. This project saved Melbourne’s busiest public building by restoring its façade, strengthening its structure and preventing further water damage from roof leaks.
Sydney’s York&George, which is competing in three categories, was delivered despite a host of challenges – heavy rail tunnels, multiple heritage buildings, construction of the Light Rail and development over a geological fault zone. The result is a striking new presence on the Sydney skyline.
Brisbane’s 25 King, also up for three awards, is the first mass engineered timber commercial building in Queensland and the largest of its scale in Australia. The building saves 74 per cent embodied carbon when compared to an equivalent concrete building and has been embraced by tenants, investors and users.
The ACT’s John Gorton Building is also in the spotlight after a seven-year restoration project repositioned the iconic Commonwealth Government landmark for further decades of use.
In the Northern Territory, the Remote Service Centres Program saw a new building transported more than 4,000 kilometres across land and sea to Groote Eylandt, enhancing the work environment for local people and instilling community pride.
Among South Australia’s finalists is the Adelaide Festival Centre Internal Works Upgrade – the first major refurbishment of the state’s principal performing arts venue since it opened in 1973. The reimagined space combines flexibility and functionality to accommodate one million patrons a year.
Over on the West Coast, a host of impressive projects are in contention, including Perron Group’s Belmont Forum Shopping Centre. An extensive redevelopment, complete in August 2018, has reimagining the traditional retail mall with new gardens, public arts displays and an extensive interior upgrade.
Eleven rising stars have been shortlisted for the NS Award for Future Leader of the Year.
All development national finalists are in the running for the industry’s most coveted prize – the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year award. Developments are also vying for the State Development of the Year award in their state.
“RLB has proudly co-hosted these awards since 1982. Over the last 38 years, the awards have become an important platform to recognise and reward the people and companies building great cities and communities,” says RLB’s Oceania Chairman, Ewen McDonald.
“Our 2020 finalists are a powerful symbol of an industry that continues to challenge itself to deliver better workplaces, homes and communities for all Australians,” Mr McDonald concludes.
National award winners will be announced at the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, to be held at the ICC Sydney Convention Centre on Friday 15 May 2020. Tickets are now on sale.
For a full list of finalists please visit www.propertycouncilawards.com.au
Media enquiries:
For media wanting more information on the finalists or images please contact
Karen Jamal | P 0412 179 135 | E [email protected]