Stockland Green Hills in East Maitland, NSW, has received an award for Best Shopping Centre Development at the Property Council of Australia’s (PCA) 2020 Innovation & Excellence Awards.

The award follows the centre’s $421 million redevelopment – the largest retail redevelopment undertaken by Stockland, and the largest retail redevelopment to be completed in Australia in 2018. This incorporated doubling the size of the centre to 74,000 square metres (gross lettable area) to expand its fashion, dining, entertainment and beauty offering.

Stockland Green Hills centre manager, Jodie Bouffler said the team is very proud to receive the prestigious award.

“Stockland Green Hills has been transformed from a well-performing centre into a premier retail precinct that reflects and celebrates the identity of the Hunter Valley through enhanced architectural design and an improved retail, casual dining and entertainment mix,” she said.

“We also incorporated a number of innovative green principles into the redevelopment, including a $2.8 million, 1.863 MW solar system, free electric vehicle charging facilities, and energy efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems.

“We’re proud to also have been recognised by The Green Building Council of Australia for taking an industry-leading approach to sustainable design and development, with Stockland Green Hills receiving a 5-Star Green Star – As Built (Retail Centre v1) certified rating. Operational performance has been validated with the centre achieving a 5-Star NABERS Energy rating and a 3-Star NABERS Water rating.

“There are also a number of important community facilities such as multiple parents rooms, an adult change room, two inclusive playgrounds designed in collaboration with the Touched By Olivia Foundation, as well as a designated Quiet Room designed to create a safe place for parents, carers and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Importantly, this project also generated more than 2,500 new jobs for the Hunter Region during construction, and continues to provide jobs in retail, customer service, operations and hospitality.”