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Woods Bagot Award for Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure

This award recognises and publicly rewards excellence in the development of, and the efficient use of capital, in a high quality new or refurbished social infrastructure asset.

Social infrastructure developments or refurbishments may include and are not limited to buildings occupied for the delivery of services to the community (whether or not it is owned by government) such as (but not limited to) healthcare, education, community facilities, childcare, specialist disability accommodation, sporting facilities, public infrastructure, art gallery or museum.

Eligible entrants will be projects, developments or refurbishments that have been completed by 31 December 2023 (completed in the past 5 years) and have been operating for at least one year as at 31 December 2024 and have not previously won the award.

The award is open to members of the Property Council of Australia only. The nominator or owner of the entry must be the member.

Nominations close 11:59pm 26 March 2025
Nominations are only accepted via the online portal

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2025 Finalists

AAMI Park - Corporate, Media & Broadcast Upgrades - VIC

Nominated by Renascent Constructions (Victoria) Pty Ltd

Owned by Melbourne & Olympic Parks 

Renascent upgraded AAMI Park for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, enhancing aesthetics and compliance. Key works included VIP Lounge, Corporate Bar, and Media Suite refurbishments, plus a new Camera Platform. Delivered on time
6 of 12 despite tight deadlines, latent conditions, and live events, with seamless coordination ensuring uninterrupted stadium operations.

Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre - NSW

Nominated and owned by Blacktown City Council

The Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC), the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, offers 380 spaces for various animals. Designed with research-driven principles, it combines world-class animal welfare standards with a safe,
6 of 13 functional workspace and a welcoming adoption centre, harmonizing with the local landscape.

Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub - NSW

Nominated and owned by Blacktown City Council

The Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) is a world-class facility blending sport, culture, health, and community. Originally a Sydney Olympics venue, Blacktown Sportspark has evolved into an inclusive space with new pathways, offering public fields, physical literacy areas, a café, and connecting surrounding communities.

Bramwell House - SA

Nominated by The Salvation Army

Owned by The Salvation Army (SA) Property Trust

Bramwell House is a supported residential community for women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence. The design of Bramwell House is anchored by trauma-informed principles and fosters an atmosphere where safety and connection thrive. Since opening, Bramwell House has provided supported accommodation to around 120 families.

Liverpool Civic Place - NSW

Nominated by Built Development Group

Owned by Liverpool City Council 

Liverpool Civic Place is a social and community development which activates Liverpool CBD, providing much needed new public spaces and community facilities for the rapidly growing South-Western-Sydney region. A 6-Star Green-Star design rated commercial space includes a 21C library, landscaped civic space, council facilities and administration.

MacArthur Stage 1 - Comprehensive Cancer & Health Centre - NSW

Nominated by Erilyan Pty Ltd 

Owned by Northwest Healthcare Australian Property Limited as trustee for Vital Healthcare Investment Trust

Developed under a unique partnership model, The new 6 Star awarded Comprehensive Cancer and Health Centre, provides patients to access cancer care within the one centre. Future proofed to allow expansion of services, the centre is the first stage in a private health precinct.

Naala Badu - NSW

Nominated by Arup 

Owned by Art Gallery of New South Wales

The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ transformation - the Sydney Modern Project - has created a new art museum experience across two buildings connected by a public art garden. The new building designed by SANAA, has increased exhibition space and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, delivering diverse experiences for visitors.

Scientia Terrace, Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College - NSW

Nominated and owned by Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College

Scientia Terrace is a highly bespoke, multi-functional innovative learning facility that enables excellence in science, sports, STEM, and social enterprise-based learning for future female leaders, whilst successfully integrating with the layers of history on a heritage-listed site.

State Library of NSW Auditorium - NSW

Nominated by INTREC Management

Owned by State Library of NSW

INTREC's refurbishment of the State Library of NSW masterfully integrates heritage conservation with cutting-edge technology, creating a world-class 344-seat auditorium and seamless public spaces. This $12M transformation showcases innovation in structural engineering, heritage sensitivity, and acoustic excellence, setting a new benchmark for adaptive reuse projects in Australia.

Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment - NSW

Nominated by John Holland and Infrastructure NSW

Owned by Infrastructure NSW

The landmark Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment was delivered on time, on-budget and without community disruption despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering outstanding value through a prefabrication-focused construction methodology, SFSR provides a legacy of social and environmental benefits for both the Moore Park precinct and the people of NSW.

TAFE Institute of Applied Technology for Construction - NSW

Nominated by ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd

Owned by TAFE Infrastructure NSW

The IATC integrates vocational education, universities, and industry to fast-track training in civil construction, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Designed for 3,500 enrolments by 2030, it addresses skills shortages for Sydney’s infrastructure 6 of 12 growth. The facility is future-proofed with a learning-enabled site, earning a 6Star Green Star rating.

The Peacock Centre - TAS

Nominated by Xsquared Architects

Owned by Tasmanian Department of Health

The Peacock Centre is Tasmania’s first mental health project to align with and support the world standard Trieste model of mental health care. It focuses on light, space, colour, materiality and high quality indoor environmental quality to create a non-institutional ambience for staff and users alike.

Tulmur Place - Nicholas Street Precinct - QLD

Nominated by Nicholas Street Precinct - Ipswich City Council 

Owned by Ipswich City Council 

Nicholas Street Precinct is a trailblazer in Australian shopping centre development and refurbishment, setting a new benchmark for urban revitalization. Once a run-down, corruption-shrouded city centre, Nicholas Street Precinct’s transformation has delivered the city heart the people of Ipswich so greatly deserve.

Western Sydney Conference Centre and Hotel - NSW

Nominated by Turner 

Owned by Panthers

The Western Sydney Conference Centre is a landmark ‘work, stay, play’ destination in Penrith, offering a 153-room 5-star hotel, 1000 seat conference facility, and civic domain. Its fluid form, inspired by the Nepean River, creates a dynamic community and business hub, setting a benchmark for future urban renewal.

White Bay Power Station - NSW

Nominated and owned by Placemaking NSW

A Sydney icon reborn. White Bay Power Station has transformed from an abandoned relic into a dynamic cultural and community hub, blending history with creativity. This award-winning adaptive reuse project preserves its industrial past while shaping Sydney’s cultural future, hosting world-class events and public programs that engage and inspire.

2024 Winner

Victorian Heart Hospital (VIC)

The Victorian Heart Hospital is Australia’s first state-of-the-art specialist cardiac hospital, providing innovative, holistic, patient-centred care, world-leading research and education. Incorporating integrated heart-themed design elements, including cardio-rhythm profiled façade screens and a large ‘gravitational heart’ central courtyard, it can deliver 2,150 cardiac surgery operations and 13,500 cardiac laboratory procedures annually.

2023 Winner

Australian Museum Project Discover Stage 1 (NSW)

Project Discover Stage 1 is the largest renovation ever undertaken at Australia’s first museum, transforming it into a vibrant civic space and adding more than 3000sqm of public space. The complex adaptive reuse project delivered a ‘blockbuster’ touring exhibition hall, enhanced patron facilities, as well as member and education spaces.

2024 Finalists

Design & Built Environment - WA

Nominated by Curtin University

Owned by Curtin University

Curtin University’s stunning mixed-use Design and Built Environment’s design fosters co-creation and happy socialising by offering diverse, generous spaces that are beautifully warmed by local blackbutt timber, natural light, WA artwork, and inviting ground-plane furnishings so visitors and students feel they are welcome to enjoy this wonderful public building.

National Herbarium of NSW - NSW

Nominated by RP Infrastructure

Owned by Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust

The new National Herbarium of NSW provides a world class facility for the safe storage of over 1.4 million botanical specimens and for the ongoing work of Australia’s oldest scientific institution, the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, in the preservation of plant diversity for the benefit of future generations.

Snow Concert Hall - ACT

Nominated by Canberra Airport

Owned by Canberra Grammar School

The Snow Concert Hall is a world-class music facility at Canberra Grammar School, which opened in 2022 thanks to a visionary $20 million donation by Terry Snow. It boasts a state-of-the-art, acoustically-tuned auditorium, connecting learning spaces and a library, and integrating cutting-edge design and sustainability, to inspire generations to come.

TAFE NSW Meadowbank Multi Trades Hub and Institute of Applied Technology Digital - NSW

Nominated by TAFE NSW

Owned by TAFE NSW

The vision to revolutionise trades skills delivery originated from a culture of innovation within TAFE NSW. Fuelled by a determination to enhance vocational training, this ambitious initiative aimed to elevate TAFE NSW to a pinnacle of educational excellence, establishing a new benchmark for vocational training on a global scale.

Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre - SA

Nominated by DesignInc Adelaide, Turner & Townsend

Owned by City of Mount Gambier Council

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre in Mount Gambier is a state-of-the-art facility offering a range of sporting, aquatic and conference amenities. This indoor facility can host various events, performances, and major sporting competitions, offering significant social and economic benefits to the Mount Gambier community and the Limestone Coast region.

Wurriki Nyal - VIC

Nominated by Quintessential

Owned by City of Greater Geelong

Wurriki Nyal’ for the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) provides a purpose-built Council Hub and new Civic Space with state-ofthe-art environmental features, supporting community well-being, growth, and sustainable development for this designated UNESCO City of Design.