New South Wales projects and people push the envelope
State-of-the-art offices, Australia’s first Indigenous rooftop farm and a learning centre that reinvents the university lecture are among finalists from New South Wales vying for prestigious national property awards.
Sixty-one finalists from New South Wales are among 128 announced ahead of the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.
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.
“New South Wales is competing in 17 categories – a testament to our industry’s commitment to innovative and inspiring projects that create better places,” says Jane Fitzgerald, the Property Council’s Executive Director in NSW.
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.
Among the projects are York&George, which is competing in three categories, and which “illustrates the property industry’s commitment to true innovation and design excellence,” says RLB Managing Director, Matthew Harris.
“The project team navigated heavy rail tunnels, multiple heritage buildings, construction of the Light Rail and development over a geological fault zone. But the result is a striking new presence on the Sydney skyline,” Mr Harris adds.
Investa’s Barrack Place, located at 151 Clarence Street, is also up for several awards.
“Designed for tenant health and wellbeing, this 23-story tower boasts smart technology, innovative sustainability features and a truly vibrant retail precinct,” Mr Harris says.
Ms Fitzgerald says the diversity of NSW projects competing for the award for Development Innovation also “emphasises our industry’s commitment to pushing the envelope”.
“There’s Yerrabingin, Australia’s first Indigenous rooftop farm, at South Eveleigh, and the new UTS Central building that has ‘designed out’ traditional lectures,” Ms Fitzgerald says.
“There’s 44 Market Street, with an A-Grade office that features 7,300 Murano glass bricks, each hand cast in Italy using traditional techniques.
“And there’s the Alexandra Canal Depot – arguably the most sustainable of its type in Australia – which features rainwater harvesting and recycling, and the ability to return power back to the grid through a solar PV-battery combination.”
The awards acknowledge excellence and innovation in development and reward up-and-coming talent, with five property professionals from NSW vying for the NS Group Award for Future Leader of the Year.
All NSW development finalists are in the running for the NSW Development of the Year and the industry’s most coveted prize – the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year award.
“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,” Mr Harris 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]