2003 National Awards for Excellence Winners
Congratulations to:
President's Award
Centro on James, by Property Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd
Developed in five stages over four years by the Property Solutions Group, Queensland's Centro on James has become the village hub of the Urban Renewal Precinct in the lower Fortitude Valley area. Now surrounded by similar commercial and residential projects, Centro on James comprises 25,000m2 of buildings including four picture theatres, furniture and household appliance showrooms. Centro on James has transformed 36,000m2 of unsightly industrial land into a vibrant central village that now includes offices and manufacturing outlets as well as headquarters for several IT and computer companies. The project was designed by Cottee Parker Architects and reflects some of the original 1930's Spanish Mission architecture amongst its many integrated forms of buildings.
Masterplanned Development Award
Golden Grove Development, by Delfin Lend Lease and Land Management Corporation
South Australia's Golden Grove Development is an excellent example of a large-scale masterplanned, mixed use development. The judges said Golden Grove's success was a result of strong housing industry support and a broad range of effective initiatives. Golden Grove is a fine example of what can be achieved through enterprise partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Residential Subdivision Award
Morgan Fields, by LWP Property Group (on behalf of The Ellenbrook Joint Venture)
Western Australia's Morgan Fields offers arguably the largest choice of lot size in Perth. Keeping the largest lot sizes on the broader of the project has ensured that surrounding neighbours maintain their country vistas. The village has adopted a 'flora for fauna' concept to encourage feeding, breeding and sheltering within the area. The rural feel created by the mix of lot sizes and high standard of built form, sympathetic to the surrounds, are a credit to the owner and their project team. Morgan Fields provides an old fashioned sense of community that was evident to the judges in all aspects of the project.
Medium Density Development Award
The Melburnian, by Mirvac Victoria Pty Ltd
Rarely have the Judges been so taken by the professionalism and sheer quality of a development as they were with The Melburnian. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture and planning and as such it has become a Melbourne icon almost overnight. The Judges were in no doubt that this outstanding Mirvac project - born out of the imploded ruins of Prince Henry's Hospital on St Kilda Road - should be saluted with this award. As well as superb and all-encompassing quality, both inside and out, most conspicuous among The Melburnian's many attributes was the subtle balance of having a dominant presence and yet being completely at home in its surroundings. In fact, The Melburnian actually enhances St Kilda Road's reputation as one of the world's great boulevards while also making noteworthy contribution to Melbourne's reputation as one of the world's most livable cities.
Urban Renewal Award
Walsh Bay Homes on Pottinger Street, by Walsh Bay Partnership (A Mirvac/Transfield Joint Venture)
Walsh Bay Homes on Pottinger Street in New South Wales from part of the Walsh Bay Redevelopment - one of the largest and most important urban renewal undertakings in Australia. A quarry originally occupied the site in the early 1800's and late Bond Stores were built. The site now lies partially on top of Bond Stores 5, 6 and 7 and partly on previously undeveloped land. The Bond Stores have a significant roof structure, one of the earliest reinforced concrete structures in the country. There were rigid building envelop controls, extensive discussions with local community and an exacting approval process (in line with the precinct's Permanent Conservation Order). Recycled materials (timber and sandstone) were also used. The homes are a fine example of innovative design and quality craftsmanship, whilst being sympathetic to the site's history and complementing the neighbouring environment.
Environmental Excellence
Mariner's Cove, by Cedar Woods Properties Pty Ltd
Western Australia's Mariner's Cove is a complex residential project when viewed in terms of its environment constraints. The project includes an internationally significant waterbird habitat and wetland system. This outstanding project demonstrate that development can improve and enhance the environment. Cedar Woods has provided unending commitment to the project. Their team has shown dedication and pride in the outcomes that now see a once degenerated area of significance blossoming.