Striking icon a winner

Albany's impressive waterfront icon claimed top honours at the WA division of the Australian Institute of Architects awards last week.

The Albany Entertainment Centre won an architecture award in the public architecture category.

Picture by Laurie Benson: General Manager of the Albany Entertainment Centre, Garry Snowdon, in the Princess Royal Theatre

When the centre was being built its unique design ignited debate among residents, but the AEC is now widely recognised as a centrepiece for Albany.

The building was designed by architecture firm Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland in association with Roberts Gardiner.

AEC manager Garry Snowdon said the centre had won over the vast majority of people who were hesitant about its design in the past.

“I think it is very striking,” he said.

“If you go around regional WA there are a number of quite functional performing arts centres like Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton but none of them really make the statement that this building makes.

“The feedback from the international artists that we have had through has been just extraordinary.”

The judges of the award acknowledged the community had put great expectations on the designers, but said the final product delivered in all senses.

They said it set a high standard for future developments on the waterfront.

The Main Roads Great Southern Regional Complex also won an architecture award in the sustainable category.

Both buildings will now compete in the national awards, to be announced on November 3.

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