A luxury apartment development in the Perth suburb of Swanbourne has taken home the state’s top property honour.

Building owner and developer Blackburne was presented with the Property Council of Australia’s RLB WA Development of the Year award at a cocktail reception this evening.

Consisting of 156 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses, Blackburne Aria Swanbourne has delivered new product in Perth that balances luxury and affordability.

“Blackburne Aria Swanbourne demonstrates how density, when well delivered, can add value to a local community,” says the Property Council’s WA Executive Director, Lino Iacomella.

“The judges were impressed with the standard of design and amenity, and with the developer’s commitment to engage with the community and local residents during the construction period,” Mr Iacomella adds.

“As a result of this approach, local residents became advocates for the development, and prospective purchasers and local councils alike are now asking whether new apartments will be like Aria.”

RLB’s Managing Director, Mark Bendotti, says the common facilities are “arguably the best ever seen in a Perth apartment project and reflect the $2 million budget Blackburne set for these facilities alone”.

The common facilities include a private dining room, full commercial kitchen, expansive residents’ lounge, a lobby lounge and BBQ area. Wellness facilities include a sauna and steam rooms, heated infinity swimming pool and spa, state-of-the-art gymnasium, yoga studio and massage rooms. A cool room is available for storing online grocery orders while a communal temperature-controlled wine cellar provides a private lock box for each apartment.

“After $70 million in off-the-plan sales within three months, the apartments were snapped up quickly once the development was completed, which is a real testament to the team’s commitment to quality,” Mr Bendotti adds.

The WA 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.

Blackburne Aria Swanbourne is also vying for the Crown Group Award for Best Residential Development at the national awards, which will be held in Sydney on Friday 11 May.