API Excellence In Property Awards – Vic 2008

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2008 Australian Property Institute (Victoria Division) annual award recipients.

Introduction: This award recognises innovation, financial performance, and professionalism in the property trust industry.

Winner: Australian Unity Investments FOR THE: AUI Retail Property Trust

Comments: The Joe Curlewis Property Trust Industry Award for 2008 has been awarded to Australian Unity Investments Retail Property Trust. The judges were impressed by the Trust’s performance over the year. With the total return of 64.6%, the Trust outperformed its benchmark (the Mercer Unlisted Property Funds Index) by an astounding 45%.

Unit holders in this unlisted trust have benefited from a well executed redevelopment and expansion of the Trust’s asset, the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre in Geelong, which was completed ahead of schedule with minimal rental relief.

The Trust has been recognised for its professional focus on property fundamentals to deliver real value to investors.

Introduction: Our second award for the evening is the Dexus Property Group Heritage Property Award. This award recognises outstanding treatment of heritage issues in the context of a development project.

In recognition of the outstanding quality of entries in this category for 2008 the judges have decided to make two awards this year, each having equivalent ranking.

The first of the two winners of the Dexus Property Group Heritage Property Award for 2008 is:

Winner: Mariana Hardwick FOR The Hardwick Building at Sparta Place

Comments: In the application for this award the project was described as “The Renaissance of a Retail Icon” this is a truly apt de scri ption for the renovation and recreation of the former Hoopers Department Store as a cultural and creative retail hub.

The project is anchored by iconic designer Mariana Hardwick who has also been the visionary for the project. Mariana’s passion for the building and for the multicultural life of Brunswick was compelling for the judges, and evident in the quality of the outcome.

The second of the two winners in this category is:

Winner: VicTrack and RBA Architects FOR Maryborough Railway Station

Comments: Restoration of our built heritage is more sustainable if an ongoing viable commercial or community use can be found for a heritage building. This is exemplified by the restoration of the grand Victorian railway Station at Maryborough.

Not only has the restoration been undertaken with considerable care and painstaking attention to detail, but ongoing uses have been established within the building including a café, antiques centre and offices, and the community has embraced the building as a new heart of Maryborough.

Introduction: The Maddocks Property Industry Award recognises the work of an individual or group which through a property related activity has achieved significant benefits for the broader property industry or community.

Winner: Melton Shire Council FOR Caroline Springs Partnership Model

Comments: Although simple in concept a true collaboration between a developer, local, and state government to efficiently deliver services in a growth area is remarkably rare.

Melton Shire Council, in collaboration with State Government agencies, and developer Delfin have broken down barriers through use of a partnership model to deliver a Civic Centre/ Library, Sport & Recreation Facility, Education Infrastructure, Community Health Hub and Youth Services.

The partnership approach drastically reduced time frames to deliver these important community facilities, and reduced duplication of services between agencies for the benefit of Caroline Springs residents, and the broader community in the north western growth corridor.

Introduction: The Colonial First State Global Asset Management Environmental Development Award is awarded for outstanding treatment of environmental issues in a development project.

Given the strength of the field in this category the judges have decided to award two commendations. The commendations in this category go to:

Commendation: Bovis Lend Lease FOR The Gauge

Commendation: West Wyck Pty Ltd FOR West Wyk

Winner: DesignInc Melbourne FOR K2 Apartments

Comments: In this new development of 96 apartments for the Victorian Office of Housing DesignInc Melbourne has drawn on quality design, in conjunction with technology to deliver an outstanding example of triple bottom line sustainability.

The project is designed to achieve savings of:

• 55% in electricity usage
• 46% in gas usage
• 68% in landscape water usage; and
• 53% in domestic water usage.

The design is site responsive, particularly for solar orientation, and incorporates passive design measures such as cross ventilation, and active/ technology driven solutions such as use of photovoltaic cells to ensure liveability combines with sustainability.

Introduction: The Land Victoria Local Government Property Award is made to a project that responds to a community need and delivers long term social benefit.

Winner: City of Greater Dandenong FOR Drum Theatre

Comments: The Drum Theatre is an architecturally stunning addition to the cultural life of Dandenong. The project has superbly managed the integration of the historic Mechanics Institute building and the renovation of the existing Dandenong Town Hall.

The building has been embraced by the Dandenong Community hosting more than 185,000 visitors since opening and staging over 200 performances annually, both touring companies, and performances staged by community or educational groups.

The project signals a continuation of the rejuvenation of Dandenong injecting life and spirit into a prominent Central Dandenong location.

Introduction: The Charter Keck Cramer Property Development Award recognises developments which demonstrate innovation, vision and financial success.

Winner: Bovis Lend Lease FOR The Gauge

Comments: The very name “The Gauge” signals to the market that the intent is for this project to be a yard stick for future projects to aspire to.

Building on the success of their Sydney project 30 Bond – Bovis Lend Lease have created a commercially successful, mainstream commercial office building, which also achieves a 6 star Green Star Rating.

The objective from the outset was to combine commerciality with leadership in sustainability, the achievement of this admirable objective makes The Gauge a worthy winner of the 2008 Charter Keck Cramer Property Development Award.

Introduction: The m3 Property Young Achiever of the Year is awarded to a person who has demonstrated leadership, achievement and a commitment to the broader property industry.

Winner: Sarah Curtain of Korda Mentha

Comments: Sarah Curtain is currently a Manager within the Real Estate Division of Korda Mentha. Sarah’s current role includes consulting in the complex field of corporate recovery, having previously held roles with DTZ and Urbis in Valuations and Corporate Real Estate.

During Sarah’s tenure on the APIs Young Property Group, including a year as President, the group was transformed into the dynamic and professional group which continues today to benefit young property professionals.

The judges recognized Sarah’s leadership qualities and dedication to her career, and the broader property industry.

Australian Property Journal