Applause for our award winners
Marvellous makeovers, sustainability showcases and companies capturing the diversity dividend are among the winners of this year’s Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.
The awards, held last Friday at a gala dinner at the International Convention Centre Sydney, recognised winners across 20 categories of excellence.
Speaking to a full house, Property Council’s chief executive Ken Morrison said the quality of entries was “astounding” and each of the 141 finalists provided lessons for the industry.
“We see nominees that are inspiring yet still functional, that blend old and new, that complement the natural environment, that are liveable and sustainable, that push the engineering envelope to new frontiers – and all of them while keeping to the demands of a budget,” he said.
RLB has partnered with the Property Council to present the awards program since its inception in 1982.
RLB’s NSW managing director Matthew Harris told the audience that the industry’s “confidence today creates an inspired tomorrow”.
“Without the vision and diligence of property professionals we would not see ambitious projects converted from imagination to reality.”
Dexus and Cbus Property were presented with the development industry’s most coveted prize, the RLB Australian Development of the Year, for the restoration of 5 Martin Place.
The Sydney icon was chosen by the judges for delivering one of the most inspired and innovative commercial workspaces in Australia. Learn more about 5 Martin Place in our Project of the Week profile.
Another heritage project, the $80 million restoration of Western Australia’s State Buildings Perth, won the S4B Studio Award for Best Heritage Development. The three interconnected buildings had been vacant for almost 20 years before they were purchased by FJM Property and transformed into a vibrant hospitality and retail precinct.
Meanwhile, Little National Hotel in Canberra was presented with the KONE Award for Development Innovation for new business model that offers a smart solution to the luxury and affordability equation.
Another Canberra hotel, the Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, won the Brain & Poulter Award for Best Tourism and Leisure Development for its combination of modern, innovative design, architectural quality and place-making potential.
Engineering firm Floth took home the WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff Award for Best Sustainable Development – New Buildings for redefining the sustainable workplace in Australia.
Built’s sustainability manager Joe Karten won the du Chateau Chun Award for Future Leader of the Year. See our profile of Karten.
Stockland’s Aura development on the Sunshine Coast was presented with the Frasers Property Australia Award for Project Innovation for an engagement program that has changed the way the industry considers community consultation.
The environmentally-sensitive Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, owned by the City of Greater Geelong, beat four other contenders to win the Woods Bagot Award for Best Public Building.
One of Australia’s largest entertainment groups, Crown Resorts, was rewarded with the Moulis Legal Award for Diversity for companies with more than 2 employees. Crown’s ‘whole of business’ approach to diversity includes comprehensive programs that support gender equity, Indigenous Australians, LGBTI inclusivity, cultural and linguistic diversity and people with disability.
Meanwhile, Capstone Recruitment took home the PwC Award for Diversity for companies with less than 2 employees. Capstone’s consultants ensure female representation on recruitment shortlists, and drives the diversity agenda through its own business with a dedicated diversity committee and work policies.
“These awards are not just building awards,” Morrison said.
“They are innovation awards. They are awards for buildings and developments that surprise us, delight us, and continue the work of renewing our cities, suburbs and towns.”
Check out the full list of winners in the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards.