A world-class stadium, a trailblazing sustainable retail precinct and a transformative mental health facility are among the winners of the Property Council's 2025 Rider Levett Bucknall State/Territory Development of the Year awards.
These awards form part of Australia's premier property awards program - the Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards - which has been celebrating excellence in design and innovation in the built environment since 1982.
Managed by the Property Council of Australia and delivered in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall, the program showcases superior examples of iconic projects in property development and investment across a range of sectors and design disciplines.
With 17 prestigious award categories, the program honours outstanding achievements in Australia's property industry.
Each year, the awards culminate in a Gala Dinner attended by more than 800 property professionals, where the industry's best projects, people and companies are crowned.
All category winners are contenders for the program's highest honour: the Rider Levett Bucknall Australian Development of the Year.
This year's State and Territory Development of the Year* winners exemplify innovation, leadership and community impact across the country:
- NSW: Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment
- VIC: Burwood Brickworks
- QLD: Upper House
- SA: Riverlea
- WA: One The Esplanade
- TAS: The Peacock Centre
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said the winning developments exemplify the power of visionary thinking and community-focused design.
"These awards shine a spotlight on the brilliant projects that are shaping Australia's future-places that inspire, connect and elevate our communities," Mr Zorbas said.
"Congratulations to all the winners. Your work sets a benchmark for excellence and innovation in our industry."
RLB Managing Director Paul Skinner said the winners reflect the evolving priorities of Australian cities.
"These developments are more than buildings, they're catalysts for change, driving sustainability, inclusivity and economic growth," Mr Skinner said.
"Each project demonstrates the transformative potential of great design and thoughtful planning. We're proud to have provided cost management and quantity surveying services on both the Sydney Football Stadium and One The Esplanade - two outstanding examples of innovation and excellence in the built environment."
2025 RLB State and Territory Development of the Year winners
NSW | Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment | Infrastructure NSW and John Holland
The Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment is a world-class venue that redefines the stadium experience for fans, athletes and the broader community. Delivered on time and on budget despite the challenges of COVID-19 and extreme weather, the project showcases engineering excellence through its iconic cloud-like steel roof and modular construction approach. With a strong focus on sustainability, the stadium is on track for a LEED Gold rating and integrates advanced digital infrastructure, including a digital twin and smart wayfinding systems. The project also leaves a lasting social legacy, exceeding apprenticeship and Indigenous participation targets, and supporting local industry with over $500 million in contracts awarded to NSW businesses.
VIC | Burwood Brickworks | VIC | Frasers Property Australia
Burwood Brickworks is a landmark mixed-use development that redefines sustainable urban living. Transforming a former quarry into a vibrant community, it features diverse housing options, 2.5 hectares of open space and the world's first Living Building Challenge® Petal-certified shopping centre. With a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating, the project integrates environmental innovation, social sustainability, and strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional outcomes. Completed ahead of schedule and exceeding financial expectations, Burwood Brickworks sets a new benchmark for regenerative design and inclusive placemaking in Australia.
QLD | Upper House | Aria Property Group
Upper House is a 32-storey architectural landmark in South Brisbane that redefines high-density living through its sculptural design, sustainability leadership and community impact. Featuring Australia's first double-storey rooftop club and Queensland's first 5-Star Green Star As-Built residential certification, the development blends luxury with environmental responsibility. Its twisting balconies, timber rooftop pergola and curated art collection create a living masterpiece that has revitalised the Fish Lane precinct. With 100 per cent of apartments sold prior to construction, strong owner-occupancy rates, and rental yields exceeding expectations, Upper House sets a new benchmark for residential excellence and long-term value.
SA | Riverlea | Walker Corporation
Riverlea is South Australia's largest master-planned community, transforming Adelaide's north into a vibrant, connected neighbourhood. With over $71 million invested in infrastructure upfront, Riverlea offers residents immediate access to parks, lakes, sports facilities and essential services. Innovative engineering solutions have enabled safe development within the Gawler River floodplain, while strong community engagement and sustainability initiatives-including recycled materials, water management systems and affordable housing partnerships-set a new benchmark for responsible urban development. Already home to over 1,000 residents, Riverlea is a blueprint for inclusive, future-focused living.
WA | One the Esplanade | Brookfield Properties
One The Esplanade is a 29-level landmark office tower in Perth's Elizabeth Quay, setting new standards in sustainability, design and cultural integration. Delivered on time and fully leased, the development features over 54,000 sqm of PCA Premium Grade office space, a three-level podium with retail, childcare, and wellness amenities and a public plaza landscaped to reflect the Noongar Six Seasons. With a 6 Star Green Star rating, WELL Core Gold pre-certification, and a $450 million green loan, it exemplifies holistic sustainability. Designed in collaboration with First Nations representatives, it is a showcase of Designing with Country principles and a benchmark for inclusive, future-ready commercial development.
TAS | The Peacock Centre | Tasmanian Department of Health and Xsquared Architects
The Peacock Centre is a pioneering mental health facility in Hobart, designed to support the globally recognised Trieste model of care. Blending heritage restoration with contemporary design, the centre offers a non-institutional, therapeutic environment that prioritises staff wellbeing and user dignity. Despite setbacks including a major arson fire during construction, the project was delivered to an exceptional standard, achieving energy efficiency well above state averages and earning accolades for its architectural and social impact. The centre now serves as a blueprint for future mental health infrastructure across Tasmania.
*There were no nominations for NT and ACT State Development of the Year.
