A Western Australian Government project to transform a Perth suburb into a cosmopolitan residential and business community has won the highest of industry accolades from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).
East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s New Northbridge redevelopment project was awarded the UDIA National Award for Excellence in Urban Renewal, beating strong competition from across Australia.
The project also received the UDIA President’s Award which is selected from the winners of the 14 award categories recognising best practice in urban renewal.
The judges praised New Northbridge for transforming a dilapidated urban environment into a ‘vibrant, cosmopolitan community’.
New Northbridge commenced in 2000 and has revitalised a 27ha land corridor that was left vacant or neglected following the construction of the Northbridge Tunnel.
Ten years later, the area holds a growing inner-city community, adding more than 460 new residences and 70,000 sqm of new commercial space to the urban fabric.
The project has restored 70 heritage buildings and improved streetscapes, cycle networks and public spaces.
Planning Minister John Day said the development was a great example of how an urban redevelopment project could deliver ‘all things to all people’.
“Receiving these accolades from UDIA provides an opportunity for many business owners, developers and more importantly, the community which has supported the project, to share in its success,” Day said.
“EPRA’s project has not only become a case study for urban renewal, but an economic and social success that West Australians can be proud of.”
