Mawson Lakes has been recognised for its sustainable and innovative community development initiatives at the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) 2009 Awards for Excellence on Friday 30th October.
The award-winning Delfin Lend Lease community won the UDIA’s Local Community Development Award for providing unique and usable spaces for the benefit of the community.
Since its commencement in 1997, Mawson Lakes has worked in partnership with government and local business to development community initiatives and spaces that foster a strong sense of community.
Some of the unique community development initiatives include: a Community Connections program; the Mawson Centre; the Mawson Lakes Community Trust Fund; a Wetlands Interpretation Centre; Schools/University/Child Care/Community Education services; a Business Development Plan; and a Technology Park.
Mawson Lakes Project Director Vince Rigter said Delfin’s strong relationships with community, government and local businesses were integral in creating programs and spaces that ensured Mawson Lakes developed into a vibrant, strong community.
“Our vision for Mawson Lakes from day one was to develop a rich and diverse community where people can live, learn, work and play in an environment which is integrated, harmonious, safe and sustainable. I am proud to say we have achieved this at Mawson Lakes,” he said.
“Mawson Lakes has developed a strong sense of community identity and set new benchmarks in community development through a process of collaboration, engagement and negotiation with government, businesses and the community and the strong commitment of the City of Salisbury to the development.
“A unique example of our commitment to social sustainability was the development of The Mawson Centre, a state of the art, innovative learning, cultural and community hub that provides a central meeting and gathering place and a one-stop learning shop for everyone in the community.”
In 2008, Mawson Lakes won the UDIA’s Best Masterplanned Development Award for Mawson Central and the National Affordable Housing Award for Mawson Lakes’ Studio 51 Terrace home.
Mawson Lakes is being developed by Delfin Lend Lease and Land Management Corporation, and will eventually house approximately 10,000 people in 4,000 homes with 7,500 workers and 7,000 students. Delfin Lend Lease is Australia’s leading developer of masterplanned communities with 25 projects across the country.
ENDS: For more information, interviews or images contact:
Matthew Hart / Liz Christiansen, BBS, 07 3221 6711