AECON Grimshaw consortium wins BAC's property design competition

A proposal by AECOM/Grimshaw/Price Waterhouse Coopers/Tract was selected as the winning entry in Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) recent National Property Design competition.

The consortium was successful against two other shortlisted parties Shane Thompson Architects/Wilkinson Eyre Architects/Lat 27 and Ashton Raggett McDougall/Arkhefield.

Due to the high quality design outcomes of the unsuccessful schemes BAC has included them automatically in a new Design Panel for BAC Property.

BAC will develop a detailed Property Master Plan (PMP) for the 1000 hectares of developable land at Brisbane Airport and as such the commercial analysis of each scheme was fundamental to the decision making process.

The PMP will also complement the existing Brisbane Airport 2009 Master Plan and is intended to meet the needs of the existing and future property markets.

BAC CEO and Managing Director, Julieanne Alroe, said the competition attracted a tremendous breadth of talent and expertise from across the country.

“There was extensive review, discussion and debate undertaken to arrive at the selection of the winning team that was extremely close in the final assessment scores.

“The AECOM/Grimshaw consortium submission however delivered the most promise, in its concentration of development in a number of subtly reconfigured zones, including a proposed Airport Spine between the terminals and Airport Village.

“The jury was particularly impressed with the proposal’s creative approach to natural systems, rethinking the connections between energy consumption, production and waste management.”

Other strengths in the winning submission included:
* A consolidation of development around key nodes;

* A high level of connectivity to neighbourhoods, community and regions;

* The inclusion of both ideals and ideas concerning the interim usage of the wider landscape

* A ‘catalyst’ project scheme with an intent to establish a lively precinct to elevate the profile of the airport while responding to market demands;

* Involvement with younger professionals who espouse inspirational and innovative approaches to ‘future proofing’ property development opportunities that transcend generations;

* An ethos of adaptability, flexibility and strong environmental sustainability to ensure robust outcomes that pro-actively respond to current market demands and global initiatives including the ‘carbon debate’; and

* An excellent track record and experience base, locally and internationally to ensure the delivery of a high quality plan.