Press Release: The Gallery – Botanica shortlisted for AIA Award

8.05.13

Allen Jack+Cottier’s innovative adaptive reuse residential project, The Gallery, Botanica, has been shortlisted in the Heritage Architecture – Creative Adaptation category of the NSW Australian Institute of Architecture Awards.

Allen Jack+Cottier was commissioned by Australand to design the adaptive re-use of several buildings at the former Lidcombe Hospital site for residential use. This section of the former Lidcombe Hospital site has been brought back to life and integrated into the 44 hectare, parkland setting of Botanica. This stage, completed in November 2011, comprises a Victorian superintendent’s house designed by colonial architect James Barnet, and four hospital ward buildings designed by government architect Walter Liberty Vernon in the early years of the 20th century. A series of outbuildings had been added to the rear of the wards over the years to accommodate additional and changing functions.

Michael Heenan, CEO of Allen Jack+Cottier, said: ‘Our primary aim was to enhance the unique character of the buildings and to conserve them by adaption for ongoing use. We wanted to create a centrepiece for the redevelopment of the Botanica residential precinct. AJ+C’s ability to balance often conflicting factors of conservation, economic viability and market demands has been particularly successful’