The AILA NSW awards were announced in a ceremony at the State Library of New South Wales on Thursday 26th June. “This year’s winners exemplify how landscape architecture can transform  public spaces and help shape the way communities work, live and connect,” says Jury Chair, Fiona Morrison. “Whilst the projects vary in scale and size, all awarded projects show how our profession is responding to the challenges of climate, culture and community with considered, places-based and purposeful design.”

Parramatta Square, by JMD design with TCL, Gehl and TZG, was honoured with an Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape. The jury acknowledged the designers’ outstanding approach: “Parramatta Square stands as a benchmark project that affirms landscape architecture as essential to shaping vibrant, inclusive, resilient and transformational urban centres – positioning the profession as a critical force in the delivery of future public domain projects across New South Wales.”

Further, the jury applauded the designers for championing Indigenous engagement and for bringing cohesion to the design, including “linking commercial buildings, significant heritage assets and transport infrastructure into a unified, legible and high-performing civic precinct.”

Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1) by Transport for NSW, Context and COX received an Infrastructure Award of Excellence. Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is an iconic landscape architecture project delivering a contiguous, 12-kilometre-long green line of revitalised public domain, transport and green infrastructure in Western Sydney. “From the iconic green track, to the planting of over 5,000 new trees, the project sets a new benchmark for climate-responsive infrastructure,” note the jury.

Related: Victoria AILA Awards

Also in the category of Infrastructure, Barangaroo Station Park (designed by Arcadia) was honoured with a Landscape Architecture Award. The jury comments: “Supporting the delivery of Sydney Metro’s new Barangaroo Station, the landscape connects key precincts – including Nawi Cove, Hickson Road and Barangaroo Headland Park – into a unified, accessible and high-performing urban environment.”

The jury adds: “Drawing on deep consultation with First Nations Knowledge Holders and archaeologists, the design incorporates interpretive elements and native planting to tell layered stories of Gadigal Country and early colonial heritage. A shell-seeded concrete seat, heritage boat inlay and biodiversity-rich planting palette reflect a thoughtful, place-specific response.”

Elsewhere, Sue Barnsley Design took out the Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space for the design of Wimbo Park Surry Hills. The jury praised its simplicity and the way it belies the complexity of the site. They described the project as a “beautifully balanced integration of ecological design, infrastructure and community needs… The care taken to preserve local heritage, including the Wimbo Paddock Mural and the Stonemasons monument, adds depth to the park’s identity.”

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Next up: Queensland’s 2025 AILA winners