South Australian projects and people up for national property awards
The GPO Exchange, Adelaide’s Festival Centre and U City are among five South Australian projects and people in the running for prestigious national property awards.
The South Australian finalists are among 128 announced ahead of the 2020 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.
- GPO Exchange by Charter Hall (Award for Development Innovation)
- Carmelite (Award for Development Innovation and InfraBuild Award for Best Mixed Use Development)
- U City (PEXA Award for Project Innovation)
- Adelaide Festival Centre Internal Works Upgrade (S4B Award for Best Heritage Development and Pure Projects Award for Best Tourism & Leisure Development
- Dino Vrynios (NS Group Award for Future Leader of the Year)
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.
“South Australia’s property industry delivers high-quality development that underpins the strength of our economy and enhances our state’s liveability,” says Daniel Gannon, the Property Council’s SA Executive Director.
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.
The Adelaide Festival Centre Internal Works Upgrade is a finalist in two categories: Pure Projects Award for Best Tourism & Leisure Development and the S4B Award for Best Heritage Development.
“This is the first major refurbishment of South Australia’s principal performing arts venue since it opened in 1973, and RLB was proud to work on this spectacular project. The reimagined space combines flexibility and functionality to accommodate one million patrons a year,” says RLB Director John Drillis.
Charter Hall’s GPO Exchange is a finalist in the Development Innovation category.
“With smart technology and state-of-the-art sustainability, GPO Exchange sets a new benchmark for progressive workplace design and development innovation in Adelaide’s CBD – creating a workplace to rival any found around the country,” Mr Gannon says.
U City is in the hunt for the PEXA Award for Project Innovation.
“Uniting Communities’ inclusive ‘vertical village’ is a world-first, bringing together retirement living, specialist short and long stay disability apartments, a function centre, commercial, retail and hospitality outlets, and social services suites. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind development,” Mr Gannon explains.
Carmelite is vying for the InfraBuild Award for Best Mixed Use Development and the Award for Development Innovation.
“Carmelite, featuring premium retirement living apartments and residential aged care rooms, shows how independent and supported living can work together to help people age in place,” Mr Drillis adds.
All South Australian development finalists are in the running for the SA Development of the Year and the industry’s most coveted prize – the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year award.
Dino Vrynios, Director of Das Studio and Escapod Australia, is one of 11 rising stars in the running for the NS Group Award for Future Leader of the Year.
“Dino leads a rapidly-growing architecture and design firm, and Escapod, a start-up combining modular construction and innovative finance to redefine luxury short-stay accommodation,” Mr Gannon says.
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.
“RLB has proudly co-hosted these awards since 1982. These finalists are a powerful symbol of an industry that continues to challenge itself to deliver better places for South Australians,” Mr Drillis concludes.
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
Daniel Gannon | P 0421 374 363 | E [email protected]
Karen Jamal | P 0412 179 135 | E [email protected]