Stage Four of City of Victor Harbor Council’s Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade has been recognised for regional achievement and excellence in civic landscape, while its Bluff Master Plan took home an award for landscape planning at the AILA Landscape Architecture Awards.
Council Chief Executive Officer, Victoria MacKirdy said the accolades are a well-deserved acknowledgement for Council staff, consultants and community members who contributed to the projects.
“Both the Mainstreet Precinct and The Bluff are destinations in Victor Harbor that people are very passionate and protective over, which meant Council had to take great care when planning a vision for their future,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“In no way were either of these projects simple. In fact, Council had to navigate many challenges to ensure a positive outcome for all. The architects and designers that Council contracted demonstrated outstanding professionalism that reflects in the final product.”
The Council contracted Hatch Design for the development of The Bluff Master Plan, and Oxigen for the design of Stage Four of the Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade.
“Awards like this put Victor Harbor on a pedestal and showcase how we are leading the way when it comes to nurturing our streetscapes and open spaces,” said Ms MacKirdy.
“I’d also like to highlight that our community has played an enormous role in both the Mainstreet Precinct upgrades and the development of our Master Plan for The Bluff. These awards are something we should all be proud of together. Congratulations to all.”
In presenting the awards, the judges praised the design and delivery of both projects.
Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct (Ocean Street and Albert Place):
2024 AILA SA Award for Excellence for Civic Landscape
Judging comments: Ocean Street and Albert Place demonstrate an exemplary and collaborative commitment by the City of Victor Harbor and separate landscape architecture commissions in shaping a unified civic heart. Creating and delivering a vibrant main street in different stages over many years, WAX Design’s early design leadership on Ocean Street South established a clear design vision for the project, carried through by Oxigen on Albert Place and Ocean Street North. The outcome is a seamless streetscape, with key lessons from the earlier stages integrated into the delivery. The jury was impressed by the collaboration across and between stages to deliver a unified outcome and congratulates the City of Victor Harbor for its exemplary and integrated design approach in one of South Australia’s most visited regional destinations.
Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct (Ocean Street and Albert Place):
2024 AILA SA Regional Achievement Awards
Judging comments: Victor Harbor is a major tourist destination, and the Mainstreet Precinct holds regional significance and is an exemplar in what can be achieved by multiple consultants and a committed client striving to deliver a unified outcome. Building on its role in a stunning natural setting, the Mainstreet Precinct delivers a cohesive and inspired series of streetscape improvements – no mean feat considering the regional location. The project rivals many of Adelaide’s best streetscapes and therefore provides an enduring and meaningful outcome for Victor Harbor.
The Bluff Master Plan: 2024 AILA SA Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning
Judging comments: The Bluff is an important cultural and environmental site for the City of Victor Harbor and its broader community. The level of engagement and rigour of the master plan process reflects the value this site holds for the community to capture a shared vision that balances visitor experience, historical values, cultural significance, environmental protection and asset management. The quality of the artistic impressions add value to the master plan document, helping to serve a non-technical audience and boost engagement. The result is a comprehensive and pragmatic 20-year master plan that provides a clear direction for a much-loved site in the Fleurieu Peninsula.
For more information about the 2024 Landscape Architecture Awards, visit www.aila.org.au.
