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AWARD CATEGORIES
Every category has unique criteria. Entrants should closely review the criteria to ensure their submission response and site inspections address the criteria specifically.
The criteria for each category is weighted differently.
Please see all category criteria and weightings here.
Projects must be complete or be at practical completion by April 2026
excluding Marketing entries.
Our definition of a storey excludes basements and rooftop areas.
Excellence in Masterplanned Communities
This award recognises masterplanned developments that have a coherent design with a relevant range of facilities within the development; whether predominately residential, civic, recreational, entertainment, tourism, commercial or industrial, or a combination of any of these primary uses. They must be developed to the stage where tangible benefits of a ‘masterplanned’ approach can be demonstrated and be large enough to generate a sense of community. The development would provide high standards of design, diversity and housing choice.
Excellence in Apartments (High Rise)
This award recognises residential developments that are 11 storeys or greater. Projects must be predominantly residential and may include a component of other use.
Excellence in Apartments (Mid-Rise)
This award recognises residential developments that have 6 to 10 storeys. Projects must be predominantly residential and may include a component of other use.
Excellence in Medium Density Development
This award recognises developments with between 3 and 5 storeys. Entries can include apartments and a component of other use.
Excellence in Residential Subdivision
This award recognises low-density residential greenfield development. Projects may comprise single storey, double storey detached, semi-detached, small-lot housing and/or missing middle typologies with private open space. Projects would not include a comprehensive range of facilities within the development but should have established a satisfactory relationship and integration with facilities nearby.
Excellence in Boutique Development
This award recognises boutique developments that integrate into existing neighbourhoods. Entries may include town-houses, terrace homes, apartments, etc and be 3 storeys or less in height.
Retail Development
This award recognises retail developments. Entries may include hotels, shopping centres, bulky goods, food outlets, etc.
Excellence in Commercial Development
This award recognises commercial developments. Entries may include offices, public buildings, sporting stadiums, etc.
Excellence in Industrial Development
This award recognises industrial developments. Entries may include factories, industrial parks, warehouses, distribution
centres, etc.
centres, etc.
Excellence in Mixed-Use Development
This award recognises developments that comprise at least three substantive uses, including the following; residential, office, retail, warehouse, leisure, community or health facilities, etc.
Excellence in Retirement Living
This award recognises retirement living projects that provide particular attention to the needs of retirees.
Excellence in Aged-Care
This award recognises projects that provide daily living and nursing care services to residents who can no longer live
independently.
independently.
Excellence in Regional Development
This award recognises developments in NSW Regions (Central Coast, Hunter, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers, New
England/North West, Orana, Far West, Southern Highlands & Tablelands, Illawarra, South East NSW, Blue Mountains, Central
West, Riverina and Murray-Lower Darling) and the ACT. Entries can be residential, retail, commercial or industrial.
England/North West, Orana, Far West, Southern Highlands & Tablelands, Illawarra, South East NSW, Blue Mountains, Central
West, Riverina and Murray-Lower Darling) and the ACT. Entries can be residential, retail, commercial or industrial.
Excellence in Affordable Housing
This award recognises excellence in the delivery of affordable housing that is appropriate for the needs of very low, low, or moderate income households (as defined in the EP&A Act). Entrants should demonstrate initial and ongoing affordability as well as the incorporation of ‘whole of life’ sustainable elements that provide for affordability in the ongoing running costs. Entries may include affordable housing delivered through a SEPP, boarding houses or other affordable housing products from private developers and not-for-profit organisations.
Excellence in Urban Renewal
This award recognises projects that demonstrate revitalisation and appropriate use of land and/or buildings (including
heritage items) in established suburbs or inner city areas. This project can either retain some existing built elements on a
site or be inserted into an existing built environment. Entries may include renewing heritage buildings and precincts.
heritage items) in established suburbs or inner city areas. This project can either retain some existing built elements on a
site or be inserted into an existing built environment. Entries may include renewing heritage buildings and precincts.
Excellence in Sustainability
This award recognises projects that demonstrate how significant environmental challenges have been overcome, and
where research, innovation, design, technology or construction techniques have enabled a significant response to a need
for environmental improvement. It may include a mix of environmental, social and financial outcomes or focus exclusively
on social, economic or environmental achievements.
where research, innovation, design, technology or construction techniques have enabled a significant response to a need
for environmental improvement. It may include a mix of environmental, social and financial outcomes or focus exclusively
on social, economic or environmental achievements.
Excellence in Social & Community Infrastructure
This award recognises public realm projects or private sector organisations that allow general community use and
demonstrated leadership and innovation in delivering services and/or social infrastructure developments, such as civic/
community buildings, schools, and hospitals.
demonstrated leadership and innovation in delivering services and/or social infrastructure developments, such as civic/
community buildings, schools, and hospitals.
Excellence in Marketing
This award recognises excellence in marketing of a residential urban or land development project before and/or during
the selling stages. Entries are judged on their creative and innovative approach to marketing and branding; appreciation
of the market; consumer support and the use of available budget.
the selling stages. Entries are judged on their creative and innovative approach to marketing and branding; appreciation
of the market; consumer support and the use of available budget.
Excellence in Design
This award recognises excellence in design of predominantly residential projects (i.e. small lot housing, villas, town houses,
terrace homes, row housing, apartment buildings). Entries are judged on their creative and innovative approach to design
terrace homes, row housing, apartment buildings). Entries are judged on their creative and innovative approach to design
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