GAWLER’S new $15.8 million Civic Centre has been hailed as the “civic heart” of Gawler at the Planning Institute of Australia’s 2019 awards night.
The centre took home two awards at the event held in November, including the ‘good place’ award and the ‘minister’s award’, judged by planning minister Stephan Knoll.
Gawler Mayor Karen Redman, who accepted the awards on behalf of the council, said the building “represents everything that is great about Gawler”.
“The way this process has encapsulated cultural heritage, all within a contemporary build and innovative design, says a great deal about us as a community,” she said.
“The new centre is a game changer for our region and will be an arts and cultural centrepiece of our growing community and contribute to jobs and prosperity.
“It’s open and light, accessible and architecturally, it is beautiful.
“It’s a wonderful example of best practice in planning to meld together old and new.
“The architectural renaissance of the Institute and Town Hall to become the Gawler Civic Centre will stand us in good stead for generations to come.”
Judges for the ‘great place award’ praised the project for creating a “civic heart” in Gawler.
“It’s a fantastic example of a great place,” the judges said.
“The redevelopment has created a civic heart that welcomes all of the community, offering both social and commercial opportunities.”
Earlier this year, the project was also awarded the 2019 SA architecture award for public architecture at the National Architecture Awards.
The Civic Centre was officially opened in April this year, with final costings released in June revealing the centre was completed $1.2 million over budget.