The Archive receives Special Commendation at The Urban Developer awards

CDL Australia is pleased to share that The Archive, has received a Special Commendation at The Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence 2026.

The 36-level Southbank development was recognised in the highly competitive Development of the Year – Build-to-Rent and PBSA category, which celebrates leading purpose-built rental and student accommodation projects across Australia and New Zealand.

The judges praised The Archive for combining disciplined project delivery with a strong resident proposition, noting that the development was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Its thoughtful design response, high-quality execution, carefully curated communal spaces and distinctive brand identity were also highlighted, with judges recognising the project’s performance across all criteria in a hotly contested category.

CDL Australia Head of Australia Cameron Laird said the commendation reflected the shared vision and expertise of the team behind The Archive.

“Receiving a Special Commendation from The Urban Developer is significant recognition for The Archive and the many people who brought it to life,” Mr Laird said.

“From the outset, our ambition was to create more than a collection of apartments. We wanted to deliver a considered rental experience that responds to the way people live today, with quality homes, flexible shared spaces and opportunities for residents to connect.

“To have The Archive recognised among Australia and New Zealand’s leading build-to-rent and purpose-built student accommodation projects is an achievement the entire team can be proud of.”

The recognition follows another major accolade for The Archive earlier this year, when the development won the Mixed Use category at the 2026 City of Port Phillip Design and Development Awards.

Presented to project architect Hayball, the award recognised The Archive as an outstanding mixed-use development within the municipality. The biennial awards celebrate excellence in architecture, urban design, sustainability and development across the City of Port Phillip.

Designed by Hayball, The Archive is the first completed building within a broader masterplanned precinct along Normanby Road, forming part of Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend urban renewal area.

The development comprises 237 apartments and ground-level commercial tenancies, with dual frontages to Normanby Road and Woodgate Street contributing to a more active and connected streetscape.

Resident amenity is centred around a communal hub on Level 5, which connects indoor and outdoor areas, complemented by co-working facilities, wellness and recreational spaces. A sky lounge on Level 35 provides additional shared spaces overlooking the city and Port Phillip Bay.

Sustainability is also embedded throughout the all-electric development, which has achieved a 5 Star Green Star ‘As Built’ certification. Water recycling systems and infrastructure supporting sustainable transport contribute to its long-term environmental performance.

These accolades recognise The Archive’s design quality, delivery and contribution to Melbourne’s evolving build-to-rent sector.

Congratulations to Mirvac, whose LIV Albert project won Development of the Year – Build-to-Rent and PBSA, and to all the winners recognised on the night. To learn more about The Archive, visit https://thearchivemelbourne.com.au/.