A $10 million redevelopment of Fort Largs, a 141-year-aged heritage-listed site in Adelaide, South Australia, has been named Australia’s ‘Project of the Year’ at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) National Awards for Excellence, announced this week.
The project, undertaken by Australian real estate development company Peet Limited, also received the award for excellence in the masterplanned communities category. The UDIA awards recognize projects that demonstrate innovation and excellence in urban development across the country.
Originally a state heritage listed fort and later a police academy, the site had been largely inaccessible to the public for over 130 years before the redevelopment. The transformation has converted the derelict site into a residential community of more than 200 homes, alongside cafes, event spaces, and public areas. For the first time in its history, the historic fort itself is open to the community.
Mark Devine, Peet South Australia State Manager, stated the recognition positions Fort Largs “as a model for development excellence at the national level.” He added that the project is “a testament to years of dedicated team effort in creating connected, welcoming communities that respect their unique settings.”
The redevelopment involved a $4.5 million investment in heritage conservation, according to Peet. The project aimed to balance the preservation of the fort’s historical integrity with the creation of a modern residential precinct. Future Urban’s planning consultancy, which received a UDIA SA Professional Consulting Award in August 2025, played a key role in navigating the complexities of redeveloping a heritage-listed site, working with bodies like Heritage SA.
The success of Fort Largs comes as cities across Australia grapple with balancing the need to protect culturally and historically significant sites with the demand for new housing. The project is being viewed as a potential blueprint for future developments involving former Defence and law enforcement assets.
According to Renewal SA, a four-year makeover culminated in the fort’s opening to the public in late November, hosting a community hub showcasing local businesses and South Australia’s defence history. The site was sold by Renewal SA on behalf of SAPOL to Peet Limited.
Devine noted a significant change resulting from the project: “Fort Largs now feels like part of everyday life on the coast. New homes have brought more people into the area, and the streets, parks, and paths link them directly to the beach.” He highlighted the restored fort as a central hub, hosting eateries, markets, and community events.
