Highbrook takes top design accolades

The 194ha Highbrook Business Park in south Auckland has won the top award at the annual Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards 2011 held last week.

Highbrook won against 18 other finalists for the “best of the best” Supreme Award, announced at a gala dinner in the Langham Hotel’s Great Room in Auckland.

Highbrook Business Park impressed judges as an internationally competitive development that was the result of 20 years’ planning and effort.

It was formerly a stud farm (Ra Ora) owned by the Fisher family. The original homestead and residence of the late Sir Woolf and Lady Fisher remains on site.

Capitalising on Highbrook’s strategic location on the Waiouru Peninsula, the Fisher family worked closely with the then Manukau City Council to rezone the land as Business 5 for commercial purposes.

It will ultimately accommodate 550,000m2 of manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, technology, offices and retail.

A joint venture between Goodman New Zealand and Fisher Family Trust, Highbrook Development worked with Peter Walker Partners to develop the design of the estate and planning and infrastructure requirements.

Chief judge John Dunn commended the design, large scope of the project, adherence to a master plan, attention to detail and collaboration – managing numerous stakeholders throughout various stages.

This year, the number of entries to the awards was significantly higher than last year. The awards are judged on efficient use of capital, maximum investor return, and for public buildings, the greatest community benefit. Entries go through a 12-week evaluation process by a panel of judges.

2011 winners:

Rider Levett Bucknall Supreme Award

Highbrook Business Park(Highbrook Development Limited) Auckland

Finalists:Telecom Place(Beca and Mansons TCLM) Auckland; Lion Integrated Beverage Facility ‘The Pride’ (Lion Nathan and Beca) Auckland; Government House(Beca) Wellington; Papatoetoe Sports Centre (MPM Projects Limited) Auckland; The Supreme Court of New Zealand (The Building Intelligence Group) Wellington; Highbrook Business Park (Highbrook Development Limited) Auckland; Eden Park(Populous, Jasmax, RCP, Aurecon and Beca) Auckland; New Lynn Station Auckland;(Beca, Fletcher Construction Company, NZ Strong Construction, and Architectus); NMIT Arts and Media Building(Irving Smith Jack Architects) Nelson; NZI Centre(Newcrest Group) Auckland; Stage 1 Anselmi Ridge (McConnell Property) Auckland; Stonefields Stage Three(Todd Property Group) Auckland; Blue Water Black Magic: A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake(MPM Projects) Auckland; The Plaza Shopping Centre, Palmerston North (Kiwi Income Property Trust); Albany Senior High School(Jasmax and Arrow International) Auckland; Auckland International Airport(Beca, Auckland Airport, Ignite and S&T) Auckland; andMangere Arts Centre – Nga Tohu o Uenuku (Auckland Council, Creative Spaces and RDT Pacific) Auckland.