Best New or Redeveloped Venue

JUDGING (100% WRITTEN SUBMISSION)

*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

This category will be judged 100% on your written submission (which should include no more than 1,500 words, website referral, photographs and backup documentation). A guided site inspection may also be conducted. 

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: New build or redevelopment project must have been completed during the qualifying period, 1 January 2024 and 1 March 2025. Guided site inspection dates will be arranged between 2 June - 25 July 2025. The property will be contacted to schedule a time with the judge. Please refer to the full requirements and criteria for this category listed here plus the following:

CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

• Evidence the redevelopment project was completed during the qualifying period and has operated under refurbished conditions for a minimum of three (3) months. 
• Philosophy behind redevelopment and entrepreneurial vision i.e. evidence of target market research. 
• Evidence of architectural innovation, décor and design features within the redevelopment, refurbishment. 
• Evidence of refurbishment enhancing the overall standard of the premises and evidence of significant improvements in customer facilities. 
• Increase of visitation. 
• Information provided of the total dollar value of the entire renovation. Total cost of investment and ROI (return on investment). 
• Refurbishment appropriate to clientele and consistent with the needs of the relevant customer base post development. 
• Ambience of the redeveloped areas within the venue. 
• Environmental and energy saving considerations. 
• Staff efficiency improvements

GUIDED SITE INSPECTION GENERAL CRITERIA

• Décor and design characteristics
• Internal and external approach (signage, car parking and entry and exit facilities)
• Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
• Comfortable and positive experience for customers
• Food and beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality) 
• Hygiene and cleanliness

SITE INSPECTION EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

• Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
• Staff friendliness and knowledge
• Knowledge and implementation of RSA
• Efficiency of operations throughout the experience