Renewal SA’s development partners continue to set the benchmark for excellence, with their work celebrated at the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) SA Awards for Excellence, held last month.
The awards showcased the innovation, collaboration and impact shaping South Australia’s built environment, with standout projects recognised across 17 categories.
The state’s top urban development honour – Project of the Year – was awarded to Peet Limited for its transformation of a former South Australian police academy site and state heritage-listed fort, which had remained hidden from public view for 140 years.
Sold by Renewal SA in 2020, the site has been reimagined as a vibrant coastal community at Fort Largs on the Lefevre Peninsula.
Renewal SA listed the 7.4-hectare coastal site at Taperoo for sale in 2019 on behalf of South Australia Police.
The site included four houses and the state heritage-listed Fort Largs, Drill Hall and Barracks Building, which previously served as the police force’s administration, training, classroom and dormitory facilities.
Peet Limited was selected as the successful proponent in 2020 following a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
The award recognises Peet’s adaptive reuse of the site into a vibrant residential, retail and cultural destination, now home to hundreds of South Australians.
At the heart of this transformation is the Fort Largs Eatery and Markets, now a vibrant hub for community connection.
The master-planned neighbourhood includes 230 new homes, offering a blend of Torrens-titled terraces and detached residences. It’s also home to a growing mix of small businesses, from cafés and boutique shops to popular dining spots.
Accepting the award, the Peet team described the project as a “true labour of love,” highlighting their commitment to preserving the site’s heritage while creating a place for future generations.
UDIA Chief Executive Liam Golding praised the project as “a testament to what can be achieved when heritage, design and community come together with vision and care.”
Fort Largs also received recognition in the Masterplanned Communities category.
Renewal SA has long supported the UDIA Awards and this year sponsored the Affordable Housing category.
Presented by Shane Wingard, Renewal SA’s Executive Director of Property and Major Projects, the award went to the South Australian Housing Trust and Fairmont Group for their delivery of 51 homes at Munno Para, known as Everleigh.
“Everleigh is a fantastic northern suburbs community that has created great opportunities for low-income families by providing access to high-quality housing at an affordable price,” Mr Wingard said.
“On behalf of Renewal SA, I offer my congratulations to SA Housing Trust and Fairmont Group.”
Many exceptional businesses and individuals were recognised across 17 award categories throughout the night.
Walker Corporation’s Festival Tower, located on Renewal SA’s Festival Plaza, received the award for Sustainability. The $2 billion building is fully electric, with a 6-star Green Star rating, 5.5-star NABERS energy rating, extensive solar panels, high-performance facades and a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system, all designed to minimise environmental impact.
Fletcher’s Slip Townhouses, delivered by Cedar Woods as part of Renewal SA’s Port Adelaide transformation, were awarded Boutique Development of the Year, while their Monarch Apartments at Glenside won in the Mid-Rise Apartments category.
Another Renewal SA-led project to receive top honours was Tapestry at Bowden, which won the Medium Density category at the Master Builders SA Awards. Developed by Renewal SA, designed by Studio Nine Architects, and delivered by Centina, the project was a true collaboration.
Renewal SA congratulates all this year’s winners for their outstanding contributions to South Australia.