SA development project shines on national stage

Lightsview, an innovative inner urban infill land development located 8km from Adelaide’s CBD and developed as a joint venture by CIC Australia Limited and Renewal SA, has tonight trumped other state nominated entries to win the prestigious UDIA President’s National Award for Excellence.

Honoured at a Gala Dinner at Brisbane’s Convention & Exhibition Centre to conclude this week’s UDIA National Congress, Lightsview was judged Australia’s best entry in the “Masterplanned Development” category before being chosen as the “best of the best” from national award category winners to grab the coveted President’s Award.

UDIA (SA) Executive Director Terry Walsh said “to win the President’s Award among such a high calibre list of national winners is a significant achievement for a South Australian development”.

“Lightsview offered the national judges an opportunity to see how a development can appeal to a huge cross-section of the market by meeting the financial considerations of first homebuyers right through to those seeking to build the grandest of homes,” said Mr Walsh.

“On average, the joint venture project has achieved more than 200 sales each year since its launch, which is a remarkable achievement in context of the global financial crisis and depressed property market. This proves a high quality, desirable and affordable range of housing solutions will always find market appeal when delivered exceptionally well. 

“Lightsview has successfully positioned itself as a credible alternative to traditional eastern suburbs quality and prestige. The project has achieved this through innovative urban design criteria and new housing products which deliver high quality public areas. It has also created a highly appealing community utilising the Heart Foundation’s ‘Healthy by Design’ guidelines to create a pedestrian friendly environment.”

The national judging panel complimented Lightsview on the use of easily navigable and safe linkages for walking and cycling; for developing a range of neighbourhood parks for a range of age-appropriate activities, and its innovative affordable housing.

“Lightsview is an outstanding model for innovation and community engagement. It is a highly successful example of a joint venture structuring and delivering the broader social, density and economic objectives of the South Australian Government,” said Mr Walsh.

Several other UDIA projects that won UDIA SA Awards in October 2013 were also strong candidates for national awards announced last night. “South Australian projects continue to gain national recognition for their innovation and multi-market segment appeal,” said Mr Walsh.

UDIA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE – 2014 WINNERS

MASTERPLANNED DEVELOPMENT:
Lightsview by Lightsview Joint Venture comprising CIC Australia Ltd and Renewal SA (SA)

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT:
Harrington Grove by Harrington Estates and the Fairfax Group (NSW)

MEDIUM DENSITY HOUSING:
Omni Residences Bulimba by Plus Developments Group (QLD)

HIGH DENSITY HOUSING:
Top Ryde City Living by Crown Group (NSW)

URBAN RENEWAL:
Gowings and State Theatre Buildings Restoration and Hotel Conversion by JBA Planning for Amalgamated Holdings Limited (NSW)

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE:
Frasers Landing by RPS and Frasers Property Management Australia Pty Ltd (WA)

AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENT:
Bells Reach by Stockland (QLD)

SENIORS LIVING:
Halcyon Landing by Halcyon (QLD)

PRESIDENT’S AWARD:
Lightsview by Lightsview Joint Venture comprising CIC Australia Ltd and Renewal SA (SA)

Established in 1971, the UDIA (SA) represents the interests of the development industry in South Australia in collaboration with all levels of government. It seeks to represent all sections of the urban development sector, including developers, councils and service providers such as engineers, planners and surveyors. As the fifth largest contributor to output in SA, the property development industry employs 56,000 people or 7% of the state’s total workforce, and accounts for almost $9 billion or 12% of Gross State Product.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact
UDIA (SA) Executive Director Terry Walsh