Billbergia takes out two major UDIA awards

Leading developer Billbergia has again been recognised at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)’s NSW 2024 Awards for Excellence, securing two sought-after industry accolades.

The winners were announced at the recent UDIA Gala Awards dinner, with Billbergia winning Excellence in Commercial Development for 88 Walker, the tallest tower in North Sydney. The innovative Lidcombe Rise, a landmark mixed-tenure residential project in Sydney’s West, also took out the award for Excellence in Masterplanned Communities.

“We’re honoured to receive these awards from the UDIA, testament to our dedication to excellence in development and our commitment to creating thriving, connected communities,” said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Development  at Billbergia.

Developed by Billbergia and designed by fitzpatrick+partners, the $372 million 88 Walker comprises 20 levels of hotel facilities and is home to the 252-room Citadines Walker North Sydney hotel, with 24 levels of premium boutique office space above.

Standing 180 metres tall, the 50-level tower features a signature cantilever which unlocks the airspace above the heritage-listed former North Sydney Fire Station – now the revamped Firehouse Hotel.

“88 Walker Street is a showcase in engineering innovation and architectural excellence, with enhanced pedestrian connectivity bringing fresh energy and activity to the surrounding streets. Combining state-of-the-art office facilities and premium hotel space with significant transport links and amenity, 88 Walker has contributed significantly to the evolution of North Sydney,” said Mr Moran.

Lidcombe Rise was delivered by Billbergia in partnership with Homes NSW and Evolve Housing and designed by Plus Architecture. It is Western Sydney’s largest mixed-tenure project, and the first to be delivered under Homes NSW’s ‘Future Directions’ initiative – a $22 billion building program aimed at renewing the NSW Government’s social housing portfolio.

Just metres from the Lidcombe train station and town centre, the project comprises 376 apartments – with 41% dedicated to social or affordable housing,  including 220 private market dwellings, 93 affordable and a further 63 social housing dwellings. With an innovative ‘tenure-blind’ design approach, the apartments offer the same high standard of finish and amenity to private market, social and affordable tenants. The development also features 198 square metres of retail space, a 362-square-metre childcare centre, green spaces, streetscape upgrades, a communal room with barbecue and individual rooftop gardens.

“Lidcombe Rise has delivered essential new affordable housing, ensuring that more people have access to brand new, modern, and architecturally designed homes. It is testimony to the power of collaboration between the government, private and not-for-profit sectors, which present a compelling solution to Sydney’s ongoing housing shortage and affordability issues,” said Rick Graf, Development Director at Billbergia.

The UDIA NSW & Urban Property Group Awards for Excellence recognise achievement in residential, industrial and commercial development, highlighting leadership within the built environment and giving a platform to the state’s most prestigious projects.

Alongside taking out the prestigious UDIA Award for Excellence in Commercial Development, 88 Walker recently received a string of coveted global and national awards, including two from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and another from Urban Taskforce.

Lidcombe Rise has previously been recognised with an Outstanding Affordable Housing Award at the 2023 GWS Project of the Year Awards. Evolve Housing’s partnership with Billbergia also resulted in a Business Partner Award at the 2023 PowerHousing Academy Scholarships and National Awards.