The building was designed by local firm Schreiber Hamilton Architecture and beat 28 other entries to win the Landcom Award for Excellence in Urban Design.

It also won the Large-scale Development (Leisure/Recreation/Entertainment ) and Heritage categories.

Chairperson of the awards’ judging panel, Peter Giannopoulos said the judges were particularly impressed with the way the project integrated new and existing buildings.

“Not only have many heritage elements been retained but there has also been extensive adaptive re-use of many elements,” Mr. Giannopoulos said.

“This has resulted in the building having a great sense of place, history and permanence.

“It has revitalised the southern end of Cessnock’s CBD and will benefit the community for many years to come; we think it really sets the bar for similar developments elsewhere.”

Established in 1975, the Lower Hunter Urban Design Awards are an initiative of the five lower Hunter councils (Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle and Port Stephens) to identify and acknowledge urban design projects that demonstrate outstanding planning, design and environmental management.

The awards are coordinated on behalf of the councils by the Australian Institute of Architects, Newcastle.

The Performing Arts Centre has also recently won the following architectural and building awards:

*HIA Awards: Commercial Building - Designer of the Year

*NSW Country Division Awards - Australian Institute of Architects: Non Residential Architecture - Alterations and Additions

*MBA Awards: Alterations and Additions over $2 million -North.