PARRAMATTA AQUATIC CENTRE MAKES A SPLASH!

The awards, run by the NSW chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, named the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) winner of the Sulman Medal, as well as receiving an Urban Design award. 

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said it’s an extraordinary achievement, testament to Parramatta’s transformation into a global city.

“Great global cities are known for their iconic architecture. Community facilities like PAC have transformed our City and we are delighted the hardworking architects and designers at Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall have been recognised for their bold vision,” Cr Esber said.

“They not only preserved but enhanced the natural environment at Mays Hill, creating a little oasis within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Parramatta Park and across from Old Government House."

“Public pools aren’t just about swimming, they are an Australian icon. PAC fits the bill and the numbers tell the story: we had more than 470,000 visits to the facility, 6,400 school children attending swimming carnivals, and over 2,000 swim school program registrations."

Grimshaw Sydney Managing Partner Michael Janeke said it was a pleasure to work on PAC.

“Over the past four years, we have worked with the City of Parramatta to bring this innovative building to fruition – creating a new type of community health and wellness facility which respects the exceptional, world-recognised heritage of the site and offers the joys and pleasures of swimming in a landscaped park setting,” Mr Janeke said.

Another of the City’s newest additions, Charles Street Square, also won an Urban Design award, while the rejuvenated Parramatta Town Hall also received a special commendation for heritage conservation after being short listed in the category.