Congratulations to the team behind the development of Kiaora Place at Double Bay, which was last night awarded Best Retail Development of the Year at the 2016 Urban Taskforce Awards.
Rook Partners worked with Woollahra Council and Woolworths during an extensive planning period, developing a retail strategy and plan that would meet the expectations of the local community, and ensure the long-term success of the project. In leasing the project, we put a lot of effort into attracting and securing operators that would be embraced by local shoppers and diners from the outset. Phase one was completed in June 2014, with phase two following early 2016.
In describing why the project was successful the judges commented, “Kiaora Place demonstrates its innovation through how reinvigorated urban spaces can be created when both the private and public sectors work together to achieve mutually compatible objectives. The main point of difference is in how this project has successfully combined retail, commercial and community spaces, provides a new retail and social hub around a new public plaza and is playing a vital role in the revitalisation of the Double Bay town centre.
The new library building is an innovative, state of the art facility which has become a key community focal point. The library has been designed over three levels using a flexible floor plan that can easily accommodate changing future needs and incorporates the use of zones for different activities and programs.”