Australia’s top property honour has been awarded to the Victorian Heart Hospital, named the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year 2024, for its outstanding heart-themed design and innovative construction. As Australia’s first state-of-the-art specialist cardiac hospital, the project was nominated by John Holland and also took home the Woods Bagot Award for Best Public Building at the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards gala in Sydney.
Designed as a “hospital-in-a-park” and featuring a distinctive weathered steel façade with heart-themed design elements, the Victorian Heart Hospital stands as a remarkable achievement in community-focused infrastructure. The project represents the pinnacle of innovation, community benefit, and design excellence within Australia’s property industry.
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia, praised the project for showcasing the industry at its best.
The Victorian Heart Hospital is a glorious winner – innovative, community-oriented, and a model of design excellence. This hospital is a vitally important piece of social infrastructure for Victorians, and the John Holland team can be justly proud of this flagship community asset.
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia
The hospital, operated by Monash Health, is now the physical home of the Victorian Heart Institute, offering 6,000 square metres of mixed-use lab facilities, office space, and dedicated areas for teaching and simulation. The facility supports a variety of health services, including 2,150 cardiac surgeries, 13,500 cardiac lab procedures, and over 28,000 cardiac emergency presentations annually. Additionally, it created more than 1,700 jobs during construction.
A key innovation within the hospital is its Circadian rhythm lighting, which helps regulate sleep, enhances cognitive function, and boosts productivity in areas without natural light. The building also incorporates natural climate conditions for energy-efficient heating and cooling, further reducing its carbon footprint through locally sourced materials.
RLB Victoria Managing Director Tony Moleta highlighted the project’s broad impact, saying, “This iconic building provides innovative, holistic, patient-centred care, world- leading research, and education. It benefits not just the patients who seek treatment but also the medical researchers, clinicians, and health professionals of the future who will work here to improve heart health across Australia.”
A special year for RLB: 75 years in Australia
This year holds particular significance for RLB as we mark 75 years of working in Australia, a journey that began in 1949 when Harry Wexler opened Rider Hunt and Partners’ first overseas office in Melbourne. Over the years, we have contributed to some of the nation’s most iconic projects, including the Sydney Opera House.
The post-war building boom offered us the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve, and our commitment to values like teamwork, trust, and quality has guided us throughout. These principles have not only shaped our success but have influenced the wider industry as well.
Collaboration remains central to everything we do, and the partnerships we’ve fostered over the years have moved the industry forward. The achievements being celebrated tonight are a testament to the impact we can make together, building a legacy that will last for decades to come.
Celebrating other award-winning projects
RLB provided services to several standout developments at the 2024 Property Council of Australia/RLB Innovation & Excellence Awards:
- Salesforce Tower, NSW – Best Office Development – Colliers Award
Nominated by Lendlease, Salesforce Tower redefines future workplaces with flexible designs and advanced sustainability features. - Quay Quarter Tower, NSW – Best Sustainable Development – GHD Design Award
Nominated by Dexus, this upcycled 1976 skyscraper sets a global standard for sustainable urban development. - 6&8 Parramatta Square, NSW – People’s Choice Award – Property Council of Australia
Walker Corporation’s 55-storey tower is the final jewel in Parramatta’s premier mixed-use precinct. - 101 Collins Street Evolution, VIC – Best Public Art Project – RLB Award
Although RLB did not provide services for this project, we are proud to sponsor the award that recognises the vibrant public artworks that enhance Collins Street’s cultural landscape. Congratulations to 101 Collins Street Evolution for its exceptional collection of permanent public artworks by renowned local and international artists.
Public art plays a vital role in enlivening spaces, and the finalists for the Rider Levett Bucknall RLB Award for Best Public Art Project have demonstrated just that! We extend our congratulations to the other finalists, including the bold “Layers of Us” in Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct and the inspiring “Connectivity” trail in Victoria. These creative installations are transforming spaces and enriching cities across Australia.
On behalf of RLB, we extend our sincere thanks to the Property Council of Australia and the judges for their dedication to recognising excellence in our industry. Congratulations to all the nominees – your innovative work leaves a lasting impact, and we celebrate your achievements. Here’s to continued success and the legacy we will build together in Australia’s built environment for years to come.
National Award Winners
https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/innovation-excellence/
2024 RLB Project Showcase
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