Historic SA Fort Wins Australia’s Top Development Award

A historic fort in South Australia, March 22, 2026, has been recognized as Australia’s best development, winning both the ‘Best Masterplanned Community’ and ‘Project of the Year’ awards at the UDIA National Awards for Excellence. Fort Largs, a coastal site with a rich heritage, underwent a significant redevelopment led by Peet Limited, transforming it into a vibrant community while preserving its historical significance.

Balancing Heritage and Modern Living

The redevelopment of Fort Largs, a project spanning several stages, carefully integrated heritage protection with modern residential living and community spaces. Originally constructed as a military fortification, the fort had been closed to the public for over 130 years before the recent transformation. The project successfully opened the fort to the public for the first time in that period, realizing a long-held vision for community access and preservation.

Future Urban, a planning consultancy, played a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the heritage-listed site. Their work, recognized with the UDIA SA Professional Consulting Award in August 2025, encompassed all phases of the project, from initial acquisition and approvals to final delivery. According to Future Urban, their team provided “expert planning advice” to facilitate the project’s success.

The redeveloped Fort Largs now features a blend of public and private spaces, community and heritage hubs, and a diverse range of townhouse options. A one-hectare landscaped open space further enhances the community appeal. The design prioritizes thoughtful connections to the surrounding areas, ensuring the fort is integrated into the wider community fabric.

A National Recognition of Innovative Planning

The UDIA National Awards for Excellence highlight exceptional achievements in urban development across Australia. Fort Largs’ dual wins – for Best Masterplanned Community and Project of the Year – underscore the project’s success in balancing historical preservation with contemporary community needs. The awards acknowledge not only the physical transformation of the site but also the innovative planning approach employed by Peet Limited and Future Urban.

Future Urban Director Michael Osborn, accepting the Professional Consulting Award, emphasized the importance of collaboration, heritage preservation, and innovation in planning. The project serves as a model for future developments seeking to revitalize historic sites while creating thriving communities. The success of Fort Largs demonstrates a growing trend towards adaptive reuse and the integration of heritage into modern urban landscapes.

Looking Ahead: Adaptive Reuse and Community-Focused Development

The Fort Largs redevelopment exemplifies a broader movement within the property development sector towards adaptive reuse projects. These projects, which repurpose existing structures, are gaining popularity due to their sustainability benefits and their ability to preserve cultural heritage. The success of Fort Largs is likely to encourage similar initiatives across Australia, particularly in areas with significant historical assets.

Moving forward, stakeholders will be watching to see how the Fort Largs community evolves and how the site continues to be utilized for both heritage preservation and community engagement. The project’s long-term success will depend on ongoing investment in maintenance, programming, and community initiatives. The model established at Fort Largs provides a valuable blueprint for future developments seeking to balance the demands of modern living with the importance of preserving Australia’s rich history.