Nation’s best buildings and brightest talent vie for awards
A whopping 141 finalists across the nation have been named ahead of the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in May.
The awards program – now in its 35th year of partnership with RLB – showcases the exceptional projects, innovative solutions and outstanding achievements of Australia’s property industry.
Everything from libraries to retirement living villages, shopping centres to sustainable offices are in contention for awards, says the Property Council’s chief executive, Ken Morrison.
“This year, a record 20 categories will recognise creative design, innovation and commitment to build brilliant places for people,” Morrison says.
Among the finalists this year are Melbourne’s Sealife Aquarium, Flinders University’s $63 million Plaza and Student Hub in Adelaide, and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, which integrates the traditional with the high-tech.
Brisbane’s sparkling office tower at 480 Queen Street, featuring a public park on the fourth floor and trees on the 32nd, is also battling it out, as is Stockland’s Shellharbour Shopping Centre, which boasts the largest array of solar panels in the country.
The conversion of Perth’s State Buildings into a 48-room luxury hotel is vying for recognition, while the Platform Apartments in Sydney’s Eveleigh is looking to take out an award for affordable housing.
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.
Six individuals have also been nominated for the du Chateau Chun Award for Future Leader of the Year.
After an inundation of nominations for innovative projects and practices, this year the Award for Innovation will be split into two sub-categories: the Kone Award for Development Innovation and the Frasers Property Australia Award for Project Innovation.
Diversity is also being recognised in two categories: the Moulis Legal Award for Diversity for larger companies, and the PwC Award for Diversity for companies with less than 2 employees.
“We have proudly partnered with the Property Council of Australia to present these awards since 1982,” says NSW Managing Director of Rider Levett Bucknall Matt Harris.
“Over that time, the number of categories and entrants has grown, and the quality of the entries – demonstrating technological innovation, design excellence, efficiency and sustainability – has evolved enormously,” Harris adds.
National award winners will be announced at the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, to be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Friday 5 May 2017. Tickets are now on sale.
Check out the full list of finalists in the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.