Visionary developments strengthening South Australia’s future
Finalists for the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) showcase their talent, stepping up to improve outcomes for communities across the state.
Demonstrating courage, boldness and a desire to see the state thrive, the finalists in this year’s Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) SA Awards for Excellence are strengthening connections within South Australian communities.
Affordable Housing, Boutique Development, Design Excellence, Innovation in Development, Masterplanned Communities, Social and Community Infrastructure, Sustainability and Project of the Year are among the 14 project awards that will be presented at the Adelaide Convention Centre on August 8.
UDIA SA chief executive Liam Golding said the awards showcase the developers and consultants who are stepping up with real solutions that are sustainable, liveable and cost-effective for generations to come.
“With housing affordability and supply expected to remain front and centre on the State Government’s agenda, the role of our industry remains critical and indeed will become only more important,” he said.
“UDIA SA members will continue to play a vital part in delivering a broad range of housing solutions to meet the needs of growing communities.
“Crucially, the awards will also honour the individuals who lead this progress. In 2025, three individual awards – Women in Leadership, Stuart Main — Young Leader and Greg Waller Award – will be presented to professionals who consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence, champion change and contribute significantly to the growth and advancement of the industry – and, ultimately, the state.
“The Diversity in Development Award recognises UDIA SA member organisations that actively promote and implement meaningful diversity policies in the workplace, that also contribute significantly to advancing diversity within the development industry.”
Fort Largs, led by Peet Limited, has redefined Adelaide’s coastal living, blending heritage conservation with innovative urban design.
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Located on the Lefevre Peninsula, this 230-home development transformed a dormant former military and police training site into a thriving residential, retail and cultural destination. The project overcame complex planning, environmental and heritage challenges to deliver a cohesive, inclusive and sustainable community.
The restored 150-year-old Fort, once inaccessible to the public, is now a vibrant precinct featuring seven commercial tenancies, event spaces and community markets.
In the Adelaide Hills, Aspen Lifestyle Strathalbyn delivered an exceptional affordable housing solution tailored for Australians over 50, combining quality, value and lifestyle in one of South Australia’s most charming regional towns.
Thoughtfully designed two and three-bedroom stylish, energy efficient homes lie within the heart of a shared community, with beautifully landscaped open spaces and a peaceful, supportive environment that fosters social connection and wellbeing.
“The UDIA SA Awards for Excellence serve as a vital reminder of what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and community outcomes are placed at the centre of development,” Golding said.
“Strathalbyn is a standout example of how lifestyle villages can enhance wellbeing and create vibrant, supportive communities.”
Perfectly positioned on one of the city’s most picturesque parks, dubbed the Forest of Dreams, Hurtle&Co. by Forme Projex offers access to city attractions combined with space to breathe.
With stunning outlooks across Hurtle Square to the city skyline, or sweeping views to the Adelaide Hills, light, airy and well-planned apartments incorporate best practice, with environmentally sustainable design principles to minimise running costs and maximise comfort.
Set against a backdrop of established trees and heritage architecture, Banksia Apartments by Cedar Woods offers a life of botanic bliss, integrating the tranquillity of its native surroundings with innovative design.
The building’s sandstone features and expansive windows allow abundant natural light and stunning parkland views, offering a sense of connection to the land and the community.
Supporting local communities was a key driver behind YWCA Adelaide Affordable Apartments, the CBD’s newest affordable housing development delivered by Commercial & General Group, in collaboration with YWCA Australia and UDIA SA member, Moto Projects.
Created to meet a gap in the Adelaide housing market, the development includes 24 architecturally designed one-to-three bedroom apartments, a ground-floor commercial tenancy for street activation, and resident amenities.
The homes will all be offered to women and women-led families, with priority given to those escaping family and domestic violence.
And a groundbreaking cross-council initiative led by the City of Mitcham, City of Charles Sturt, and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, the Community Green Energy Plan has retro-fitted key community assets with advanced renewable energy systems, including rooftop solar, battery storage and integration into Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
These upgrades transformed libraries, community centres, works depots, sporting clubs and civic buildings into energy-efficient, low-emission hubs.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate that you can address urgent housing and growth needs without compromising on quality, design or community benefit,” Golding said.
“They show leadership at a time when our state needs it most.
“The projects we’re recognising have turned challenges into opportunities and are helping set a new benchmark for what good development looks like in times of crisis.”
Select category winners of the UDIA South Australian Awards for Excellence are eligible to enter the UDIA National Awards for Excellence in 2026. Earlier this year, the SA Housing Trust and Believe Housing Australia won National Awards in the Social and Community Infrastructure and Affordable Housing categories respectively.
To see the full list of finalists and read more about the UDIA SA Awards for Excellence, visit udiasa.com.au
The awards are supported by the following sponsors:
• Major sponsor — nbn Australia
• Media partner — InDaily
• Category sponsors — Alexander Symonds, Bluescope, Centina, Department for Housing and Urban Development, Finlaysons Lawyers, FYFE, InDaily, Local Government Association, Oliver Hume, Renewal SA, SA Water, Simple Integrated Marketing and Whittles
• Print partner — Bowden Printing
