RM Hope Building wins ACT’s highest property accolade

The RM Hope Building at 2 National Circuit has been awarded the ACT Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Development of the Year.

Developed by ISPT and designed by world-acclaimed Fender Katsilidis Architects, the RM Hope Building was recognised for its $37 million heritage-listed redevelopment.

Property Council ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter, announced the winner at the 2013 Property Council of Australia (ACT) Awards Night Gala Ball, held at the National Convention Centre on Friday 2 August 2013.

“Since it first opened its doors as the Patent Office in 1941, the RM Hope Building has been an important Canberra landmark,” said the ACT’s Executive Director, Catherine Carter. “The building’s latest evolution has integrated a modern workplace into an historic building and secured its place in the Canberra landscape for many years to come.”

When ISPT commenced the refurbishment in 2011, the building had been stripped of many of its heritage features, including internal staircases, joinery and custom-built furniture.

The project team, were committed to restoring the building’s heritage and character. Work included the demolition of old and construction of new link buildings, and the restoration of the original Art Deco façade. Every effort was made to preserve original features, with jarrah flooring removed from the ACT Supreme Court being re-used as decorative wall panelling in the main reception area and conference facilities.

“The award recognises the project team’s approach to heritage-listed redevelopment, which, combined with the operational and security needs of the tenant, made the refurbishment a complex and challenging project,” Ms Carter explained.

Now home to the Office of National Assessments (ONA), the building was renamed the Robert Marsden Hope Building after the former royal commissioner whose recommendations in the 1970s led to the ONA’s creation.