Three Canberra developments in running for national property awards

Canberra Airport, Equinox Business Park and the suburb of Franklin are each in the running for a national property award.

The 2016 Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards program is now in its 34th year and celebrates leaders among Australia’s property development and investment industries.

Property Council ACT’s acting executive director Mary Wood says the finalists demonstrate the territory’s commitment to high-quality innovative development.

Canberra Airport is competing with eight other national finalists for the Woods Bagot Award for Best Public Building.

Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron says the new airport is the culmination of a 15-year, $2 billion investment.

“We rebuilt the terminal from the ground up, transforming, literally a shed in a sheep paddock to an iconic gateway befitting Australia’s national capital,” Mr Byron says.

“Our relentless attention to quality and excellence – from the build to the fit-out to the landscaping to the extensive public art collection – everything we do is designed to enhance the visitor experience and to exceed expectations.”

Mr Byron says the airport’s soaring ceilings, open spaces, water sculptures and a host of other features were designed to defy the typical airport experience.

“We are delighted to be a finalist in the Property Council Awards,” Mr Byron says.

“We support the council’s endeavours to promote excellence in the industry and are very proud that our efforts on this front have been acknowledged through this nomination.”

Franklin is one of six finalists competing for the UrbanGrowth NSW Award for Best Master Planned Community. The suburb was developed by the ACT government’s Land Development Agency,

“The LDA’s vision for Franklin was to create an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable community that took advantage of the suburb’s location, heritage and culturally significant features,” LDA chief executive David Dawes says.

“The LDA also piloted Mingle, its community development program in Franklin and its social inclusion activities have resulted in the building of a vibrant, connected community of which we are very proud.”

Ms Wood says the suburb sets a new standard for sustainable communities, providing accessible and attractive streetscapes with parkland, active transport networks and great housing choice.

Equinox Business Park in Deakin will vie for the LJ Hooker Commercial Award for Best Business or Industrial Park.

NDH directors Peter and Jim Sarris say the goal was to create a sense of place and community with breakout spaces and central amenity.

Peter Sarris says AMC Architecture’s attention to detail and passion is evident in the finished product.

“You spend about a third of your waking hours at work so we wanted to create something that was more than just a nice work space,” Mr Sarris says.

Ms Wood says Equinox combines smart sustainable design with exceptional amenities and an attractive outlook.

A total of 136 finalists across 18 categories are up for awards this year. Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on June 3.