Proserpine Entertainment Centre is celebrating triple accolades at the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects’ North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.
The entertainment centre, designed by CA Architects and Cox Architecture, was awarded The Walter and Oliver Tunbridge Award for Building of the Year and a regional commendation for Public Architecture. It was also named the People’s Choice Award winner for North Queensland.
The new, multifunctional space for community events, gathering, performances and entertainment was commissioned by the Whitsunday Regional Council, and delivered through funding by three levels of government, after Cyclone Debbie destroyed the former building in 2017.
The jury commended the project as an “excellent example of architecture that offers community impact…well beyond the building alone”.
“Sitting comfortably in the urban streetscape, the building extends seamlessly from the sidewalk… into a grand community space that elicits a sense of excitement,” the jury said.
A public grassed area connecting the Entertainment Centre provides space for the community to gather, linger, and share stories.
Ultimately, “the building gives back to the Proserpine community some of what was taken from them during Cyclone Debbie,” the jury said.
Townsville Sports Precinct, designed by Conrad Gargett, was named Regional Project of the Year, and also received a regional commendation for Public Architecture.
The jury applauded the architects for their design response, which transforms the Townsville Sports Reserve into a vibrant precinct for maximum community benefit via three new indoor multi-use courts, a gym and additional amenities.
Other Central Queensland regional winners:
North Shore State School, also designed by Conrad Gargett, received a regional commendation in Educational Architecture.
Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, by AECOM Australia, won a regional commendation in Public Architecture for “setting a new standard for Airlie Beach tourism as the gateway to the Whitsundays”.
James Cook University Burralga Yumba Residences, by nettletontribe architecture, was awarded a commendation in Sustainable Architecture.
The region’s awarded projects have now been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards. The state awards will be awarded on June 22, 2023.
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