Credited for steering Subiaco into an exciting new era and serving as a major catalyst for change in the oft maligned inner city suburb, ONE Subiaco by Blackburne Property Group has taken out the top gong at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) Awards for Excellence 2023.

It secured the coveted Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence at the weekend, chosen from all category winners on the night as the best urban development of the year.

The luxury development, located on the former Pavillion Market site, also won in the Apartments (High Rise) category.

Offering a mix of apartment living and mixed‐use commercial tenancies, including trendy new hotspot Subi Continental on the ground floor, the development brought about 500 new residents to the long-suffering suburb.

Blackburne founder and managing director Paul Blackburne said it was good to receive recognition for a really transformative project in WA.

“One Subiaco is a good example of what we need more of in terms of good quality, high density developments in the right locations,” he said.

“There’s a lot of argument around whether people are pro-density, or pro-apartments or anti-apartments and I think that’s just too simplistic that it’s really about getting the right buildings in the right locations.”

Mr Blackburne who received the award on behalf of his company also wanted to recognise the 1000 or so people involved in making the project a reality, from the development director to the tradies on site.

UDIA WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said ONE Subiaco was a fantastic example of how quality infill development could enhance local communities and provide options for locals to downsize within the area that they were familiar with and had ongoing connections with.

“Blackburne have done a fantastic job in delivering a beautiful project that appeals to the market and enhances its surroundings,” she said.

Also recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable developments on the night was Witchcliffe Ecovillage in the South West.

The Sustainable Settlements and Perron Developments project was awarded in both the Excellence in Sustainability category and the Affordable Housing category.

The carbon negative community showcases innovative approaches to sustainability across a range of areas.

It is self‐sufficient in renewable energy for households and electric vehicles, rainwater and fresh food produce. Regenerative agriculture practices are being implemented, along with passive solar and low carbon building techniques. More than 50 per cent of the 120‐hectare site is community gardens and public open space.

“There are so many innovations that have been trialled and implemented at Witchcliffe, so many hurdles needed to be overcome to get this project off the ground,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“The project is a true reflection of absolute commitment to sustainability and community from the development team,” Ms Steinbeck said.

Another double winner on the night, Victoria House by Hesperia won the Excellence in Design Award and the Medium Density category.

This adaptation of a State Heritage listed building has resulted in a stand‐out centrepiece for the broader Montario Quarter precinct.

The site of Perth’s first infectious diseases hospital is now home to 81 residential apartments, a range of health services focused on children and young adults and a commercial café that utilizes materials salvaged from the original hospital.