Lendlease WA Communities general manager Anthony Rowbottam with LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra and Veris general manager Gavin Hassett.
Camera IconLendlease WA Communities general manager Anthony Rowbottam with LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra and Veris general manager Gavin Hassett. Credit: Supplied/David Broadway Photography

Urban Development Institute of Australia WA 2017 Awards for Excellence award Perth’s best urban developments

Headshot of Arylene Westlake-Jennings
Arylene Westlake-JenningsWestern Suburbs Weekly

SEVERAL urban infill developments across the city have turned up trumps at the recent Urban Development Institute of Australia WA (UDIA WA) 2017 Awards for Excellence, which was announced at a gala event on September 9.

“Urban renewal and infill development is (an) important aspect of urban development in Perth,” UDIA WA chief executive Allison Hailes said.

“UDIA members are leading the way in urban regeneration and the urban renewal category winner, Elizabeth Quay, is certainly a showcase in point.

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“The judges could not look past the significant transformation of the Perth waterfront, which is attracting international investment and creating a foundation for new economic development opportunities in the surrounding area.”

North Fremantle’s The Villas at Taskers project was highly praised and took home the award for best medium-density development.

“The Villas is one component of an overall development that is undoubtedly one of the best density projects in Perth,” the awards judges said.

“With plans for up to 410sq m of living space set over three floors, private lifts, double glazing, travertine heated floors and frameless glass balconies, this is sophisticated luxury living.”

The Villas are eight architecturally designed townhouses with high-quality finishes that integrate with the adjoining residential housing and higher-density apartments, and  feature a unique, non-structural internal wall system that allows rooms to be configured to suit the needs of the purchaser and provides flexibility for changing needs.

Perth project The Bottleyard by Handle Property Group, received the Judges’ Award for its successful integration of the high-density apartment development with the built form of the existing Palmerston heritage residential district.

The Concerto apartments by Finbar on the former Australian Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in East Perth was named best high-density development and was commended for preserving the original building and incorporating it into the overall development plan.

“Impressive amenities include a residents’ lounge, private dining room, theatrette, boardroom, heated wet-edge lap pool, barbecue area, gym, sauna and landscaped gardens,” the judges said.

“The developers achieved an average seven-star energy rating and the unique Bubbledeck flat slab system reduced weight by 30 per cent and achieved impressive cost saving and environmental and energy efficiencies.”

The Playground at Coolbellup, a major public open space for the housing development on the former North Lake Primary School site, was named best residential development under 250 lots, highlighting the importance of well-designed urban infill projects.

The biggest winner of the night was Ellenbrook by LWP Property Group and Department of Communities, which walked home with two awards for best masterplanned development and the acclaimed Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence, which recognises the best project across all the category winners.

“Ellenbrook is a timeless masterplanned development providing residents with innovative and diverse housing choices, a range of amenities and services, as well as social, economic and environmentally sustainable features,” Ms Hailes said.

“With each new release, Ellenbrook has continued to set the standard for masterplanned developments around Australia, with a leading-edge approach to creating authentic neighbourhood living.”

Honeywood estate in Wandi by Satterley Property Group was praised for its thoughtful design, which preserved natural assets including bushland and conservation-category with the Environmental Excellence Award.

“Sustainability is a key focus of UDIA and the winner of both our Sustainable Urban Development Award and Urban Water Excellence category – (LandCorp’s) WGV at White Gum Valley – is truly pushing the envelope when it comes to innovative design and planning for the future,” Ms Hailes said.

Other winners on the night were Jervis Rise in Baldivis by BGC Development and Access Housing Australia for best affordable development; Bethanie Gwelup in the seniors living category; and Alkimos Beach by LandCorp and Lendlease for best residential development more than 250 lots.

“The UDIA WA Awards for Excellence program is an opportunity to showcase the very best in urban development across the state and ensures that we continue to raise the bar with regard to design, innovation and sustainability,” Ms Hailes said.

“The urban redevelopment industry is building communities for today and into the future.

“It is critical that we lead the way for continual improvement and showcase the diversity and talent that is a key feature of our industry.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

– Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence:  Ellenbrook by LWP Property Group and Department of Communities – EnviroDevelopment Chairman’s Choice Award: Rosehill Waters by Noahs (OK) Rosehill Waters -Judges’ Award: The Bottleyard by Handle Property Group – Rising Star: Established by Yolk Property Group – Best affordable development: Jervis Rise by BGC Development and Access Housing Australia – Best residential developments less than 250 lots: The Playground at Coolbellup by Lendlease and LandCorpBest residential development more than 250 lots: Ellenbrook by LWP Property Group and Department of Communities – Best medium-density development: The Villas at Taskers by Gary Dempsey Developments – Best high-density development: Concerto Apartments by Finbar – Best urban renewal: Elizabeth Quay by Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority – Best sustainable urban development: WGV at White Gum Valley by LandCorp – Urban water excellence: WGV at White Gum Valley by LandCorp – Environmental excellence: Honeywood by Satterley Property Group – Best seniors living: Bethanie Gwelup Aged Care and Assisted Living Campus by The Bethanie Group.

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