PCA National Awards Finalists Unveiled

Main image: Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Courtesy Property Council Australia

The nation’s best buildings and brightest talent are once again in the spotlight.

141 finalists across the nation have been named ahead of the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in May.

The awards program, now in its 35th year of partnership with RLB, showcases the exceptional projects, innovative solutions and outstanding achievements of Australia’s property industry.

“Our industry thinks deeply about how to design and deliver buildings that enrich people’s lives," Property Council Chief Executive Ken Morrison said.

"This year, a record 20 categories will recognise creative design, innovation and commitment to build brilliant places for people.

“The property industry is the engine room of Australia’s economy, employing 1.1 million people and contributing one ninth of GDP.

"Our industry shapes Australia’s cities and towns like no other, and these awards remind us why the property industry is vital to the prosperity of the country and the strength of our communities," he said.

Those who made the finals in 2017 included Melbourne's Sealife Aquarium, Flinders University’s $63 million Plaza and Student Hub in Adelaide and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, which integrates the traditional with the high-tech.

Flinders University’s Plaza and Student HubAlso making the cut was Brisbane’s sparkling office tower at 480 Queen Street, featuring a public park on the fourth floor and trees on the 32nd, and Stockland’s Shellharbour Shopping Centre, which boasts the largest array of solar panels in the country.

480 Queen Street, BrisbaneThe conversion of Perth’s State Buildings into a 48-room luxury hotel is vying for recognition, while the Platform Apartments in Sydney’s Eveleigh is looking to take out an award for affordable housing.

Perth’s State BuildingsAll development national finalists are in the running for the top prize – the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year award. Developments are also vying for the State Development of the Year award in their state.

Six individuals have also been nominated for the du Chateau Chun Award for Future Leader of the Year.

After an inundation of nominations for innovative projects and practices, this year the Award for Innovation will be split into two sub-categories: the Kone Award for Development Innovation and the Frasers Property Australia Award for Project Innovation.

Diversity is also being recognised in two categories: the Moulis Legal Award for Diversity for larger companies, and the PwC Award for Diversity for companies with less than 250 employees.

National award winners will be announced at the 2017 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, to be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Friday 5 May 2017.