The Tonsley Innovation District has taken out South Australia’s top property honour for an approach which sets new standards for urban renewal.
Renewal SA was presented with the Property Council of Australia’s RLB South Australian Development of the Year Award at a gala ball last night.
RLB provided cost management and quantity surveying services to help transform Mitsubishi’s former manufacturing plant into arguably Australia’s most exciting innovation district.
Realising the future
Tonsley brings together leading-edge research and education institutions, established businesses and start-ups, as well as government and community groups, to test new ideas, and bring high-value manufacturing to market, and drive jobs, investment and economic growth.
The 61-hectare project, 10 kilometres south of Adelaide, started in 2012 and is expected to be complete by 2027.
Driving change
RLB in South Australia Director Giulio Altamura says the innovative adaptive reuse of the former Mitsubishi Main Assembly Building, unveiled in 2015, has ‘transformed a disused site into an active and thriving innovation district’.
He added, ‘The judges were impressed by the project’s commitment to low carbon and climate resilient infrastructure, technology and systems. These undoubtedly demonstrate innovation in urban design, governance and delivery models.’
National awards
The South Australian Development of the Year Award is part of the national 2018 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards program. RLB has partnered with the Property Council to present the awards program since its inception in 1982.
Tonsley is is also competing in two categories at the national awards, which will be held in Sydney on Friday 11 May.
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