Maras Group, the Adelaide property development company founded by Theo Maras, has won a national award for making Adelaide’s major high streets prosper.

The group’s long-term contribution to South Australia was recognised this week at the Mainstreet Australia Awards 2014 in Melbourne. Held at the Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne, awards were given in seven categories, marking best practice, innovation, leadership, creativity, success and passion.

Sponsored by Westpac, Maras Group took out the award for ‘Business Support of the Mainstreet Industry’ in recognition of the group’s support of the main street industry.

The awards – which also recognised Maras Group’s commitment to re-shaping the East End district of Adelaide – were established in 2009 to recognise people, programs and businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of Australia’s major commercial centres.

President of Mainstreet Australia, Mr Steve Bentley said that “behind every one of our successful main streets, there are committed leaders, businesses, volunteers, committee members, community members, centre managers and councils. Through their hard work, dedication and initiative, they enable main streets to thrive on all levels, and respond to the constant challenges”.

Steve Maras, managing director of Maras Group, told Neos Kosmos that he was delighted to be recognised by the award.

“It’s something that our company is extremely passionate about and we will continue to assist and promote main streets as best we can. We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of our devoted and committed team here at Maras Group”.

One of Adelaide’s most significant transformations over the past two decades has been the group’s redevelopment of the former Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange – the city’s historic market.

The redeveloped strip is now regarded as Adelaide’s most popular high end ’boutique’ fashion destination and is home to the Adelaide Fringe as well as a host of other cultural events.