By Bridget Brady
The designers are in the running to win one of the council’s Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards after Lynbrook Village was named as a finalist for the awards to be held at Sydney in June.
The awards aim to promote industry innovation among the property and development industries.
The director of Rider Levett Bucknall Melbourne, Michael Kerr, said Lynbrook Village set a high standard for shopping centre development.
“Lynbrook Village provides an improved visual and public amenity and integrates into the fabric of the city,” Mr Kerr said.
Associate town planner at Tract Consultant Adam Terrill helped design Lynbrook Village and said its “main street” design was new and innovative.
“It was designed around the basis of a traditional main street, which fosters more communication and interaction between people,” Mr Terrill said.
One of the highlights of Lynbrook Village was the use of red gums that were removed to build the shopping centre and turned into artwork.
“It was built to be integrated with the character of the area and the use of natural materials and the red gums were a very dominant part of the design.”
Lynbrook Village was built to cater for residents so they didn’t have to travel to Cranbourne or Dandenong for shopping.
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon said the community had embraced Lynbrook Village, and it was great to hear news of its design success.
“It’s just got that lovely atmosphere. People often come from other areas to shop there,” Cr Stapledon said.
“I think the design allows people to interact and you see people standing around having a chat not worrying about traffic. And I think the business community really has their own little network happening.” The winners will be announced at the gala dinner in Sydney on 13 June.