True transformation: embedding cultural engagement through Green Star

27 Jun 2025

There are a range of Green Star rated projects that have gone above creating healthy, sustainable, efficient places – they celebrate First Nations culture and heritage. One of those projects is in the heart of Perth, Western Australia on Whadjuk Noongar land – One The Esplanade.

Brookfield Properties and Multiplex, both known for their landmark projects, have come together to embrace the challenge of creating more than just a building. The result is One The Esplanade, a 6 Star Green Star rated project on Whadjuk Noongar land, and a legacy that celebrates ecological value, cultural heritage and fosters community engagement. The initiation of Multiplex’s program, Jump Start, and the project team’s First Nations engagement strategy, has made One The Esplanade a beacon of how ESG principles can be integrated into every phase of development.

We sat down with Helen Claes, Design Manager at Multiplex and Cliff Winby, Vice President of Developments at Brookfield Properties to further understand the intricacies of the project’s broader ESG strategy and how it has paved a revolutionary path for the construction industry.

Indigenous engagement: Honouring Whadjuk Noongar culture

From the project's inception, Brookfield Properties not only wanted to represent Whadjuk Noongar culture but engage with the First Nations community on the ground. The choice to consult with the Whadjuk Working Group (WWG) early in the process allowed Brookfield Properties to build genuine, strong relationships and lay the groundwork for a culturally safe and informed development. The foundation of this engagement was a comprehensive Cultural Safety Plan, which provided a structured approach to ensure that cultural values were respected at every stage of development. This plan included:

  • Design of the built form, landscaping, and public spaces that reflect Whadjuk Noongar culture
  • Public art initiatives, prioritising local First Nations artists to create pieces that tell the story of the land.
  • Cultural awareness training for project participants to foster respect and understanding.
  • Recognition of key construction milestones and cleansing requirements for deliveries
  • Employment and training opportunities for First Nations workers.
  • Incorporation of cultural safety measures in site inductions.
  • Community partnerships with organisations supporting First Nations people.

 

During the construction of One The Esplanade, Brookfield Properties raised over $75,000 for Ruah Community Services, a local provider of support for vulnerable individuals. This exceeded their $50,000 target and funded several critical initiatives, including:

  • The creation of a communal garden and Yarning Circle at Kambarang Place, a space designed for reflection, connection, and healing.
  • The purchase of a minivan to help Ruah respond to crises and transport residents to essential appointments.
  • Renovations to the kitchen at Kambarang Place, enhancing the daily lives of its residents.

When reflecting on the WWG engagement, Brookfield Properties' Cliff Winby noted that it “helped us to create a place that authentically responded to its historical context and enriched the public realm, delivered within a cultural safety framework that fostered a culture of respect, learning and collaboration amongst the project team that has paved the way for how our future developments will approach First Nations engagement".

A blueprint for respectful development

This collaboration between two industry leaders exemplifies how modern developments can be more than just buildings. The combined efforts reflect a proud commitment to creating spaces that honour cultural heritage, empower communities and pave the way for future generations. One The Esplanade is not just reshaping Perth’s skyline— it’s shaping the future workforce, creating inclusive opportunities, and setting the foundation for long-term industry change.