Sydney centres win coveted property awards

The-Ponds_Retail_New-South-Wales_Frasers-PropertyThe Ponds Shopping Centre in Sydney’s north west has been recognised by the Property Council of Australia for its environmentally sustainable design.

Owned by ISPT, the centre has won the Yardi Award for Best Shopping Centre Development at the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Completed by Frasers Property Australia in 2015, the $40 million development, 40 kilometres north west of Sydney’s CBD, has  a carbon footprint that is 34 per cent smaller than similar sized developments, found after a lifecycle assessment was conducted.

The installation of a rooftop solar system and high-efficiency LED lighting minimises electrical wastage, while rainwater is collected and reused throughout the building. Sustainable materials, natural timber and recycled content with low embodied emissions were selected, while the design’s thermal mass keeps the naturally-ventilated mall at comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

“The Ponds boasts a 6 Star Green Star rating, representing world leadership in environmentally sustainable design,” said Matthew Harris, NSW managing director of RLB.

“But even more impressive, the clever application of design and technology is saving The Ponds Shopping Centre around $45k a year in running costs,” he added.

The retail, dining and social precinct combines more than 25 specialty stores with cafés, restaurants and high-profile retailers including Woolworth’s and BWS.

Ken Morrison, the Property Council’s chief executive, said the Ponds highlights the sustainable outcomes that can be achieved in the retail sector and sets a new benchmark.

“The judges were very impressed by Frasers Property Australia’s commitment to sustainability – from best-practice waste segregation to cycle facilities that encourage people to embrace active travel.”

The restoration of one of Sydney’s most loved sandstone buildings, 5 Martin Place, also caught the attention of the awards committee.

5 Martin Place took home the RLB Australian Development of the Year for 2017 as well as the SAS International Award for Best Office Development and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Award for Best Sustainable Development – Existing Buildings.

Dexus and Cbus Property were presented with the prize at the Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in Sydney.

“This significant heritage restoration project has delivered one of the most inspired and innovative commercial workspaces in Australia,” Morrison said.

Built in 1913 as the headquarters of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 5 Martin Place was among the first in the world to use an advanced structural steel frame in its construction.

Protecting the building’s heritage required design solutions, including a cantilever over the existing building which supports the new tower above.

“5 Martin Place’s 5 Star Green Star rating demonstrates how older buildings can be upgraded to meet new sustainability standards. And by breathing new life into the streetscape below, and investing in public art, Dexus and Cbus Property have enhanced one of Australia’s most important gathering places.”

Morrison said the quality of entries for this year’s awards was “astounding” and reflect the industry’s commitment to “pushing the innovation envelope”. Another heritage project, the $80 million restoration of Western Australia’s State Buildings Perth, won the S4B Studio Award for Best Heritage Development.

With a history spanning more than 140 years, the three interconnected buildings had been vacant for almost 20 years before they were purchased by FJM Property and transformed into a hospitality and retail precinct, and the home of luxury 48-suite hotel COMO: The Treasury.

“This project has restored an important part of Western Australia’s history, returning it to the people of Perth and creating a world-class destination,” Morrison said.

Stockland’s Aura development on the Sunshine Coast was presented with the Frasers Property Australia Award for Project Innovation for an engagement excellence program that has changed the way the industry considers community consultation.

“Stockland’s idea leverages in-kind support and external funding to enhance the experience for people at Aura,” Morrison said. The 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.

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