The Amble Estate, a Department of Communities-led urban infill project, has won prizes in the residential development category and also for environmental excellence at this year's Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA Awards.
The Amble Estate will see up to 129 dwellings built over three stages on the former Hainsworth Primary School site in Girrawheen.
Besides awards in the Residential Development (250 lots or fewer) and the Environmental Excellence categories, the project was also a finalist in the Affordable Development and Urban Renewal categories.
The Amble Estate - a joint partnership between the Department of Communities, Yolk Property Group and Ventura Home Group - offers a range of affordable and environmentally sustainable land and housing options to families, couples, singles and downsizers.
It is the first green titled subdivision in Western Australia to provide a solar power system with every home, resulting in a 40 per cent saving on daytime power costs. The innovative pilot program installs solar power systems at no cost to all participating homes in the estate.
Communities' Commercial Operations Policy Director Tiffany Allen, who guides the department's statements of strategic intent and sits on external committees that explore and define new approaches, won the UDIA/Frasers Property Women in Leadership Award.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
"In the short time since development began, the Amble Estate's innovative approach to home design and sustainability through a mix of small lot house and land packages, apartments and townhouses has become a showcase for modern urban renewal.
"The development includes private, social and shared equity housing opportunities while delivering affordability, environmental sustainability, design quality, diversity and integration.
"The Amble Estate is also a great model for joint venture development projects, with the Yolk/Ventura Home Group fully aligned with the Department of Communities' vision.
"I also congratulate Tiffany Allen, a strong driver of change, who very effectively advocates to the residential housing sector the benefits of working with Government and continues to add value and thought leadership to the Department of Communities.
"The judges were extremely impressed with Tiffany's dedication to the property industry, proven track record in senior management and mentoring roles and in her delivery of significant projects.
"She is a worthy winner of this important award."
As stated by Girrawheen MLA Margaret Quirk:
"By working with the private sector, the McGowan Government continues to increase the supply and diversity of Perth's housing stock while following the principle of thoughtful housing design and density.
"It's very encouraging to see industry acknowledgement of the quality of the development of the old Hainsworth Primary School site into the new Amble Estate.
"It has been a long time coming but the wait has been worthwhile given the innovative and quality outcome.
"The Amble Estate is in the heart of Girrawheen, a short distance from schools, shopping centres, playgrounds, parks and cafés, and it is already well on the way injecting new life into a thriving community."
