Brisbane’s West Village by Sekisui House Australia was crowned as the winner of the President’s Award in The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Wingate National Awards for Excellence, at a special virtual awards announcement event this afternoon.
This project transformed the former Peters Ice Cream factory site in West End into a vibrant, urban precinct in inner Brisbane.
“The site is steeped in rich history and through respect for its environment, creativity and attention to detail, Sekisui House has created a landmark Living Heritage Village,” says Simon Basheer, UDIA National President.
“West Village has redefined what was once a run-down part of inner-city Brisbane into an urban village with a strong sense of purpose.
“It is a most deserving winner of our 2020 President’s Award, as it demonstrates outstanding achievement and the highest standards of practice.
“The recipient of the President’s Award must be capable of making an exceptional contribution to the public standing of contemporary development in Australia and is only bestowed upon the best of the best. West Village is a most deserving recipient of this honour,” he says.
“West Village is an urban renewal project which has seen strong community and market acceptance and has redefined what was once a run-down area.
“The developer has truly brought the site to life for its residents, workers and visitors who enjoy its unique setting.
“The delivery of an ‘artist in residence’ program on site, combined with local festivals and market days enabled demonstration of the project’s qualities in its early stages.
“It is wonderfully respectful of the site’s historic beginnings and is a now a fabulous community precinct,” says Mr Basheer.
The UDIA Wingate National Awards for Excellence shine a light on the world-class developments taking place across the nation and demonstrate excellence, quality and industry best practice, whilst celebrating the contributions of architects, engineers, environmental professionals and consultants.
“The winners across fifteen award categories are drawn from the best of the best in each state, as determined by our judges – highly experienced industry leaders Alan Zammit AM, Nicola Smith and Tony Marshall,” says Mr Basheer.
“Winners include eleven world-class urban development projects, as well as the year’s best young leader, Women in Development leadership award and the organisation that demonstrated the strongest commitment to diversity.”
The award process is rigorous, taking eight months from launch through to the completion of judging. The judges visit every site in person, as well as reviewing the accompanying written submissions.
“With 69 outstanding finalists, competition was fierce and our judges certainly had their work cut out for them.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate each of the 2020 award winners. They have truly demonstrated quality, innovation and outstanding excellence and should be proud of their tremendous achievements,” says Mr Basheer.
The winners of the 2020 UDIA Wingate National Awards for Excellence are:
• President’s Award – West Village by Sekisui House Australia (QLD)
• Frasers Property Women in Leadership Award – Helen Dyer, Holmes Dyer (SA)
• Young Leaders’ Award – Daniel Panickar, Eco Logical Australia (WA)
• Diversity in Development Award – Brisbane City Council (QLD)
• Medium Density Development Award – Muse, Neutral Bay by HELM Pty Limited (NSW)
• Residential Development Award – Arundel Springs by Villa World (QLD)
• Small Scale Development – Parkville by Oliver Hume (VIC)
• Social & Community Infrastructure Award – Armadale Fitness & Aquatic Centre by City of Armadale (WA)
• Environmental Excellence Award – Central Park by Frasers Property Australia & Sekisui House Australia (NSW)
• Marketing Excellence Award – West Village by Sekisui House Australia (QLD)
• Urban Renewal Award – Essendon Fields by Essendon Fields (VIC)
• Affordable Development Award – Jingeri by BHC Creating Liveable Communities (QLD)
• Seniors’ Living Award – Carmelite by Southern Cross Care SA&NT (SA)
• Masterplanned Development Award – Oceanside by Stockland (QLD)
• High Density Development Award – Cirque Mount Pleasant by Stirling Capital (WA)
High resolution photographs are available for each category.