Opal Tower Wins Champion Award at NSW Apartment Awards for Excellence

Samantha Reece
2 days ago
2 min read

Sydney, NSW – Opal Tower has been awarded the prestigious Champion Award at the NSW Apartment Awards for Excellence, marking a remarkable turnaround story following one of the state’s most widely publicised residential building crises.

In December 2018, more than 300 residents were evacuated from Opal Tower on Christmas Eve after critical structural defects were identified. What followed was an intensive and determined effort led by Chair Shady Eskander and the Owners Corporation Committee, who worked tirelessly over an 18-month period to ensure the necessary structural repairs were completed to the highest standard.

Mr Eskander took the extraordinary step of stepping away from leading his own business of 200 staff to focus on the recovery effort. His leadership was instrumental in coordinating stakeholders, advocating for residents, and driving positive outcomes — including the pursuit of a $50 million lawsuit to address the defects and ensure accountability.

Today, eight years on, Opal Tower is fully defect-free, standing as an example of resilience, collaboration, and commitment to quality in the apartment sector.

“This award recognises not just a building, but the unwavering determination of a community to restore trust, safety and pride in their homes,” said Mr Eskander. “It has been an incredibly challenging journey, but one that demonstrates what can be achieved through leadership, transparency and persistence.”

Celebrating Excellence Across the Sector

The NSW Apartment Awards for Excellence also recognised a range of standout developments across multiple categories:

The Residence by Studio SC took out both the Enduring and Luxury categories. Originally a 1970s police station, the project has been transformed into high-end apartments that, 15 years on, remain contemporary and of exceptional quality.

Mason & Main by Nation won Best Amenities and Pioneering, recognised as the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) development in Merrylands. The project has revitalised the precinct with an impressive mix of amenities, including a rooftop paddleball court and a unique bridge linking three buildings, allowing residents seamless access to shared spaces.

Homes NSW received awards for Affordable Housing and Ageing in Place with Bradbury Seniors Living, which transformed a site of three houses into 31 thoughtfully designed apartments prioritising space and liveability.

Cbus Property took out Diversity in Housing Choice for New Market, offering a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments, townhouses, and innovative townhouse designs featuring independent studio spaces.

The Greens Strathfield won the People’s Choice Award, reflecting strong community support and resident satisfaction.

Billbergia Group/SJB was recognised in the Luxury category, while City West Housing jointly won the Affordable Housing category for Boronia.

SJB secured the Precinct Rejuvenation award for Surry Hills Village which transformed an old shopping centre into a vibrant precinct that included apartments, hotels and shopping outlets that resembled a beautiful village setting,
and Salbashian Architects won for Refurbished Apartment excellence.