Heart-warming hospital design named among Australia's best developments

The best property developments around Australia have been named, encompassing everything from the spectacular to the heart-warming.

Among the state and territory winners of the Property Council’s 2024 Rider Levett Bucknall State/Territory Development of the Year awards were a world-first vertical village office tower and the country’s first specialist cardiac centre.

Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said the winning projects highlight positive city-shaping, community enhancement and design excellence.

“These awards throw a dazzling spotlight on the role community-defining projects play in shaping vibrant, sustainable and forward-looking cities,” Mr Zorbas said.

“The winners’ vision and dedication demonstrate what is possible when innovation and leadership combine,” he said.

Winners of the State and Territory Development of the Year awards are now contenders for the Innovation & Excellence Awards top honour, the Australian Development of the Year.

RLB Global Board Chair Peter Tulla said this year’s winners have played a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for our cities.

“These projects do more than just transform physical spaces—they create places of true and enduring value,” Mr Tulla said.

“These developments go beyond merely creating structures—they revitalise neighbourhoods, stimulate economic growth and create spaces for people and businesses to thrive,” he said.

Development of the Year winners

The awards serve as a prestigious pathway to the Property Council’s National Innovation & Excellence Awards, set to be revealed at a Sydney gala in September.

In its 42nd year, the awards program, in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), celebrates groundbreaking innovations and outstanding leadership in Australia’s property industry.

The Property Council of Australia outlined the details around each project and shed some light on its decision-making rationale in selecting its state and territory award winners:

Australian Capital Territory

6 Brindabella Circuit is a landmark, environmentally conscious mixed-use precinct at Brindabella Business Park, adjacent to Canberra Airport.

The development sets new standards in design, while creating a vibrant community hub. With world leading sustainability initiatives, luxurious amenities, and flexible office spaces, it offers a vibrant workplace where businesses thrive.

New South Wales

Dexus Quay Quarter Tower is designed as a world-first vertical village that redefines the future of work. Offering some of Sydney’s best views, this transformative statement on Sydney’s skyline is profoundly focused on promoting human interactions and smart technologies to drive business success.

Queensland

The Salvation Army, a not-for-profit organisation, developed a four-level, 26-unit affordable housing complex in Chermside with community areas, vibrant communal gardens, landscaping, interactive play areas, administration offices and basement parking.

The housing complex is located near transport, schools, healthcare and a shopping centre.

South Australia

83 Pirie by Woods Bagot and Cbus Property draws upon Pirie Street’s rich history. 83 Pirie employs a ‘worklife’ concept, blending hospitality, wellness, and commercial functions.

The building's transparent lobby and retail spaces activate Pirie Street, while innovative design features like bespoke glass panels and flexible floor layouts reflect excellence and innovation in office design.

Tasmania

Misho + Associates’ Iron Creek Bay Farm Stay is a new short-stay accommodation typology in Hobart. At the forefront of sustainability in design, construction, and operations, adding to the economic stimulus and employment, developing tourism employment, and adding optimism and confidence for others to trust in the region.

Victoria

John Holland’s Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton is Australia’s first state-of-the-art specialist cardiac hospital, providing innovative, holistic, patient-centred care, world-leading research and education.

Incorporating integrated heart-themed design elements, including cardio-rhythm profiled façade screens and a large ‘gravitational heart’ central courtyard, it can deliver 2,150 cardiac surgery operations and 13,500 cardiac laboratory procedures annually.

Western Australia

Blackburne’s ONE Subiaco by Blackburne is an iconic 236-apartment mixed-use development that epitomises quality and resort-style living in the heart of Subiaco. As a beacon of excellence, it serves as a catalyst for the area’s revitalisation, offering diverse and luxurious residential options along with retail and dining.