Boroondara’s Urban Design Awards have returned after a 5-year break, celebrating the building design work that makes such an important contribution to the character and built environment of our neighbourhoods.
These awards are about encouraging design and architecture professionals to imagine diverse and innovative ways to house our community, protect our heritage, and improve our streetscapes and public spaces.
New homes, heritage extensions, multi-dwelling developments and non-residential buildings vied for awards over 6 categories. A new category for best sustainable development underlines our belief that sustainability and future-proofing our city for current and future generations should be at the forefront of all design. Pleasingly, most of the building designs featured in the awards showed a strong sustainability focus.
I was impressed by the modern addition to a Victorian-era Kew home that won its category, judges describing it as an 'outstanding model in judicious site planning and heritage dwelling improvement in a way that complements the urban and natural landscape'. They noted that the new low-profile, single-storey wing ensured the home’s street profile and tree-canopy silhouette were retained, and praised its 'intelligent and understated' approach.
As we look to the future, all 6 winners of these awards will stand as examples of thoughtful design for us all, and I commend the owners and design teams for their achievements.
Finally, we are looking forward to implementing our newly adopted 2023–24 Budget, a carefully considered investment in the future of our community. Among funding highlights are projects including the Kew Library redevelopment, sportsground and pavilion renewals, and installation of public electric vehicle charging stations. By continuing to invest in our services, facilities and community activities Council will strengthen its pivotal role in fostering community connection, and contributing to people’s health and wellbeing in Boroondara.
Mayor of Boroondara