Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) has dived into the global spotlight, taking home the International Architecture Award for Landscape Architecture, one of the most prestigious accolades in the design world.
The award, presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, was announced in Athens, Greece, and judged by an international jury.
A World-Class Community Hub
Since opening its doors in September 2023, the $88.6 million centre has become a cornerstone of health, wellness, and recreation in Western Sydney. Boasting four multi-purpose pools, a high-tech fitness centre, spa and sauna, café, and more than 200 parking spaces, PAC has quickly established itself as a vibrant community hub.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Martin Zaiter, said the centre’s reputation is now firmly cemented on the world stage.
“PAC’s profile has gone from one of the best in Sydney to one of the best in the world,” Cr Zaiter said.
“The centre’s unique landscaping embeds the facility into its natural surrounds, providing a little oasis in the middle of the suburbs. Our emerging global city deserves world-class facilities, and this award demonstrates that’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”
A Growing List of Accolades
This international recognition is the latest in a string of honours for PAC. Earlier this year, it was named 2025 Aquatic Centre of the Year at the Royal Life Saving Awards Gala, The AQUAS. In 2024 alone, it picked up eight national and international awards for architecture and design.
PAC’s win also follows in the footsteps of Parramatta’s cultural hub PHIVE, which secured its own International Architecture Award in 2023—showcasing the city’s growing reputation as a hub of design excellence.
Innovation Meets Nature
McGregor Coxall Associate Landscape Architect, Xavier Font Sala, described the project as 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.”
PAC was brought to life through collaboration between the City of Parramatta, Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects, and McGregor Coxall—a partnership that has now delivered one of the most recognised aquatic centres in the world.
For a list of awards won by City of Parramatta click here.
