The Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1 project has been recognised with a prestigious Australian Good Design Award Gold Winner accolade in the Built Environment category.
COX Architecture and CONTEXT landscape architects together with engineers WSP and Aurecon, delivered the 12km line of new efficient transport, revitalised public domain, and green infrastructure – a catalytic project that represents the next chapter in the evolution of the
Parramatta region.
At the heart of the design is the creation of new green corridors – a planted light rail route and the first of its kind in Australia – already recognised as a standout feature at the AILA Awards and Winning the 2025 Excellence Award.
Commended for embedding public, environmental and cultural value at every stage, the project was celebrated by the jury as “a project that redefines what infrastructure can be: not just transport, but transformation.”
“Our team has proudly contributed to the delivery of transport infrastructure, together with a new walking and cycling path, well designed public spaces, greener streets, pedestrianised dining precinct, new trees and a revitalised city centre,” said Hamish Dounan, Director, CONTEXT.
He said the project holistically exemplifies a softer, more responsive approach to design that brings shaded, walkable and inclusive infrastructure into the heart of a growing city, while reducing urban heat, managing stormwater and preserving trees.
“This project sends a clear signal for urban renewal in Sydney’s geographic centre and the transformative legacy of landscape architecture.”
“Perhaps more than any other type of project, light rail is a true form of urban transformation. Light rail changes the way people move and directly improves public domain – fully embedding it into a city’s legacy,” said COX Director, Ian Connolly.
“It’s a bold piece of urban placemaking that builds on Parramatta’s unique identity.”
The Good Design awards Jurors stated, “Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is a city-shaping transport and public domain project in Western
Sydney. A timeless, rigorous urban design project, that will clearly benefit its community for the long term. The subtlety of ground treatment, integration of track and lawn, planting and hardscape broadens the application of light rail in the Australian context, supporting the perception of the low impact, embedded nature of this transport mode. The Jury commends the commitment to greening and working in collaboration with local First Nations communities. A powerful example of world-class design”.
Managing Director of Good Design Australia, Rachel Wye said the projects awarded this year show how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change – “from the way we live and work to how we care for our planet”.
