Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) has won the coveted International Architecture Award for landscape architecture.
The award, from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, was announced in Athens, Greece over the weekend and decided by an international jury.
The $88.6 million aquatic centre, complete with four multi-purpose pools, a high-tech fitness centre, a spa and sauna, a café and more than 200 parking spots, opened its doors in September 2023.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter said PAC had established itself as the go-to destination in western Sydney to cool off, exercise and relax.
“PAC’s profile has gone from one of the best in Sydney to one of the best in the world,” Lord Mayor Zaiter said.
“The centre’s unique landscaping embeds the centre in its natural surrounds, providing a little oasis in the middle of the suburbs.
“Our emerging global City deserves world class facilities. This award demonstrates that’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”
Lord Mayor Zaiter said it’s not the first time Parramatta has shone on the world stage.
“Last year, the City’s cultural hub PHIVE won an International Architecture Award and now it’s PAC’s turn,” Lord Mayor Zaiter said.
“This adds to an impressive trophy cabinet for PAC, including being awarded the 2025 Aquatic Centre of the Year at the 2025 Royal Life Saving Awards Gala, The AQUAS, and eight national and international award wins for architecture and design in 2024.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the innovation of Council staff and our successful collaboration with our project partners – Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall.”
McGregor Coxall Associate Landscape Architect, Xavier Font Sala said PAC is one of his proudest achievements.
“The PAC is more than just an aquatic facility – it’s a living landscape,” Mr Font Sala said.
“By weaving the built form into the contours of the site and embedding water-sensitive design throughout, we were able to deliver a project that celebrates Parramatta’s natural heritage while providing world-class recreational infrastructure.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects, alongside the City of Parramatta, to bring this vision to life.”
