Coffs Harbour community building, Yarrila Place, has taken home one of Australia’s most prestigious architecture award for public buildings.
Announced at a gala ceremony in Canberra, Yarrila Place won the major named prize – The Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture – in The Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Architecture Awards.
The awards celebrate more than 40 projects, with other major named awards going to projects including Melbourne’s Northern Memorial Park Depot and Launceston’s The Shed, University of Tasmania.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our community, and the vision of the City of Coffs Harbour and the architects BVN who designed a statement, practical and unique building which has already become symbolic for Coffs Harbour,” Mayor, Nikki Williams said.
“Yarrila Place with its cutting-edge Harry Bailey Memorial Library, gallery and museum is an inclusive, welcoming facility which has been quickly embraced by the community as shown by the hundreds of thousands through the doors since it opened in 2023.”
With its curved lines and signature sea green facade, Yarrila Place sits lightly on the landscape and has contributed to the revival of the City centre along with the recently opened CODA mixed-use tower.
A landscape photo of Yarrila Place is the hero image on The Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Architecture Awards website homepage – which also features star award winners including The Australian War Memorial New Entrance and Parade Ground (Studio.SC) and the Parliament of NSW Restoration (Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Purcell Architecture).
“Yarrila Place distinguishes itself as an exemplar of regional social and civic infrastructure – one that places community impact before excess, efficiently yet generously weaving together library, museum, council and community functions within a single robust and dynamic form,” the website says of the awards.
“Architecture at its best catalyses engagement, learning and inclusion across diverse communities. Yarrila Place embodies this ethos, challenging conventional paradigms to unlock broad opportunities for connection and shared experience.
“Yarrila Place stands as a model for renewal of public buildings, its impact far exceeding the sum of its parts, setting a new benchmark for community engagement and cultural celebration.”
BVN Principal, Matthew Blair said he was delighted to be involved in such an important project for a community he holds dear.
“Coffs Harbour is an amazing, beautiful place. This building celebrates the optimism and positivity of a community investing in this place,” Mr Blair said.
“Being involved has been an honour and has reaffirmed our belief in the power of architecture to create holistic places for people and nature that are welcoming for all.
“Having grown up within the vibrant Coffs Harbour community and knowing the history of this project, I understand the impact that these facilities can have on our locale.
“Like Coffs Harbour itself, Yarrila Place will evolve over time, and is imbued with a philosophy of open-minded welcome, creative collaboration and community optimism.”
Yarrila Place was also feted by the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW), winning the coveted 2025 Sulman Medal for Public Architecture.
“The community can rightly feel very proud of Yarrila Place which was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Australia,” Acting General Manager Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“Delivered on time and on budget, this energised community hub is a focal point in Coffs as a place of learning, entertainment, culture, local history and community services.”
Lipman, the builders of Yarrila Place, have also received a swag of awards for their leadership in the project.
In 2024, Lipman won a Master Builders’ Association NSW Excellence in Construction Award in the Public Buildings ($50m-$100m category) and also took home the gold in the Best Use of Bricks, Best Use of Masonry and Best Use of Tile categories.
