The City’s prestigious Gold Coast Urban Design Awards have celebrated the best of the city’s built environment recognising developments with exceptional design, liveability and sustainability.
The triennial awards were held at Home of the Arts last night (Thursday 9 November), with five winners and four commendations recognised for their outstanding achievements.
“The creativity and imagination of highly skilled Gold Coasters has resulted in urban settings that inspire, motivate and add to our city’s appeal,” said Councillor Mark Hammel.
“Our renowned lifestyle is enhanced and improved by the design, planning and construction sectors working together to meet the needs of our growing city.
“I applaud you all for the contribution you have made to our city, ensuring the Gold Coast continues to be the best place to live, work, study, play and raise a family.”
The nominees were judged by a panel from the fields of architecture, planning, landscape architecture, urban design, heritage and sustainable industries.
The panel was led by renowned architect, Amy Degenhart, Director of DegenhartSHEDD architects + urban design and Bubble Up.
The 2023 Gold Coast Urban Design Award winners were:
Award for Excellence in Urban Design
The Spit Redevelopment – created for the community, by the community to revitalise one of the coast’s much-loved destinations, improving access, amenity, and environmental outcomes.
Award for Urban Design Leadership
Paul Eagles – awarded for his consistent leadership across various roles in Queensland for delivering transformative sustainable community planning and development, affordable housing and urban design direction and management.
Urban Design Award – Public Project
Pimpama Sports Hub – This 14-hectare integrated sports and community recreation facility was opened in December 2021 and helps support healthy lifestyles and community connection for the growing population on the northern Gold Coast.
Urban Design Award – Private Project
Bond University Health Sciences & Medicine – Taking full advantage of the Gold Coast climate, this new building draws in the natural light and air, with an immense floating roof to the internal courtyard and an extended façade opening to the neighbouring treed area.
Urban Design Award – Adaptive Reuse
Tom Atkin Hall Rejuvenation – Owned by the Tugun Community and managed by the Tugun Progress Association, this hall had a much-deserved facelift including a contemporary new look thanks to fundraising efforts in the community.
The commendations went to Peninsula Playground, Broadwater Parklands and Capri Island Bridge for Urban Design – Public Project; Anne Street Garden Villas for Urban Design – Private Project; and Broadbeach Place Making Plan 2022 for Advancement of Urban Design Unbuilt Project.
