National Award Recognition

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) is the peak body representing the property development industry, with members spanning global enterprises and consultants, to local governments and small-scale developers.

This year at an industry gala dinner in Perth, the 2023 winners of the annual UDIA National Awards for Excellence were revealed, with Nightingale Ballarat winning the UDIA National Award for Sustainability.

In a highly contested category including a mix of projects across Australia, the judging panel decided Nightingale in Ballarat stood out as an exemplar project that not only leaves a positive sustainable legacy but proves a housing model previously only tested in a major city can be successful in regional locations.

From the judging panel:

The commitment of the development team to achieving something well beyond ‘business as usual’ is apparent: to then go on to change the narrative for apartment living in the regions is to be applauded.

In stunningly attractive architecture, Nightingale Ballarat proves carbon-neutral can be achieved in an aesthetically pleasing way. Other initiatives surrounding waste management, energy use, community integration and engagement, have all contributed to a NaTHERS rating well in excess of anything comparable in either a metro or regional context.

The development team were also congratulated for demonstrating that high quality, affordable housing with low lifecycle costs is possible – addressing the housing crisis and climate crisis at the same time.

Images of Nightingale Ballarat by photographer Derek Swalwell.