Commercial & General Group Celebrates a Trifecta of Success at UDIA SA Awards of Excellence

Eighty Eight O'Connell Recognised in High Rise Apartments, Urban Renewal and Project of the Year

Commercial & General Group is proud to announce that Eighty Eight O'Connell has been recognised at the 2026 UDIA South Australia Awards of Excellence, receiving honours across three of the industry's most prestigious categories:

• High Rise Apartments
• Urban Renewal
• Project of the Year

The recognition celebrates the transformation of a prominent North Adelaide site into a thriving mixed-use destination and reinforces the project's role in shaping the future of one of Adelaide's most significant urban precincts.

After stagnation as a unrealised development site for over 36 years, Eighty Eight O'Connell was conceived as more than a residential development. It was designed to strengthen the urban fabric of O'Connell Street, create a destination that promotes activity and connection, and support the long-term prosperity of one of Adelaide's most iconic main streets.

Commercial & General Group Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg said the awards recognise the project's contribution to place-making, urban renewal and community-building.

"From the outset, our ambition was to create something that would be a catalyst for revitalisation of O'Connell Street through an activated ground-plane, and dually reflected our LifeCentred approach to development, delivering quality residential and community amenity with wellbeing at the core. Success for this project was never measured solely by the buildings we delivered, but by the value it would create for the community, businesses and the broader precinct."

"To be recognised in the categories of High Rise Apartments, Urban Renewal and Project of the Year is an acknowledgement that quality development can play an important role in revitalising established urban environments and creating places where people genuinely want to spend time in."

Since completion, Eighty Eight O'Connell has introduced new residents, increased visitation and enhanced activation throughout the precinct, supporting local retailers and hospitality venues that are fundamental to the vibrancy and resilience of O'Connell Street.

The strong community and market response to the development reflects growing demand for thoughtfully designed urban living opportunities that place connectivity, amenity and lifestyle at the centre of the resident experience.

The project demonstrates how contemporary mixed-use development can successfully integrate residential, retail and public realm outcomes to create enduring economic, social and community value.

"One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing the way the community has embraced the precinct. The vibrancy of the retail offering, the activity generated throughout the day and evening, and the contribution the project makes to the broader O'Connell Street experience are outcomes that extend well beyond the boundaries of the site itself."

Commercial & General Group extends its sincere thanks to the consultants, contractors, suppliers, stakeholders and project partners who contributed to the success of Eighty Eight O'Connell. 

In particular, the Group acknowledges the exceptional commitment of the Tandem Building project team, whose dedication, professionalism and unwavering focus on quality ensured the vision for the project was realised.

"This recognition belongs to a large group of talented people who shared a belief in the project's vision and worked tirelessly to deliver it. We are especially grateful to the Tandem Building team whose commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration and quality has helped establish Eighty Eight O'Connell as a benchmark residential and mixed-use development for South Australia."

Commercial & General Group also extends its appreciation to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) for its ongoing leadership, advocacy and support of the development industry.

"We sincerely thank UDIA SA for championing excellence across our industry and for recognising projects that make a meaningful contribution to the future of our cities and communities. Their advocacy continues to play an important role in supporting a progressive, innovative and sustainable development sector."

The recognition of Eighty Eight O'Connell across High Rise Apartments, Urban Renewal and Project of the Year reinforces Commercial & General Group's commitment to creating places that deliver lasting value, enrich communities, strengthen local economies and contribute positively to the future of South Australia.