2020 Greater Sydney Planning Awards

Award 2 - Place-based collaboration

WINNER: Campbelltown City Centre Master Plan - Campbelltown City Council

Council's Master Plan is a timely and bold reimagination of their city centre. This Plan will help drive Campbelltown's ongoing transformation into an important urban centre within the Western Parkland City where significant changes are occurring, and new potential is being realised. The deep and meaningful stakeholder consultation has been exceptional.  It focussed not only on the needs of the community but is also framed to provide a strong foundation for future implementation. The future of the Western Parkland City is brighter because of this outstanding work. Congratulations, Campbelltown City Council.

COMMENDATION: Liverpool City Centre Public Domain Master Plan - Liverpool City Council

The judging panel was most impressed by the quality of place-based collaboration in Liverpool's City Centre and very excited to see elements of Council's Master Plan already coming to life. This work went well beyond 'business as usual' and engaged closely with the community in planning for place improvements.  Further, in the face of COVID-19, Council has shown the benefits of the planning work by fast-tracking key actions contained in the vision, such as implementing pop-up cycle lanes and reducing speed limits. We're excited to see what's next.

COMMENDATION: Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct - Department of Premier & Cabinet

The Meadowbank work is exceptional as it demonstrates new methods for the delivery of separate state government projects through an integrated approach.  Close interagency collaboration, engagement with Ryde Council and Meadowbank Precinct stakeholders has established strong, shared outcomes that will enrich the community and place well beyond the three separate building projects originally envisioned. The panel commends this highly collaborative effort and looks forward to seeing this cohesive approach replicated for future planning projects to deliver stronger place-based outcomes.

Award 3 - Development supported by infrastructure

WINNER: Marrick & Co - Mirvac

Marrick & Co is an exceptional project which has delivered highest quality social infrastructure, public space and housing simultaneously on council land. The spectacular Marrickville Library along with new public open spaces will be enjoyed by the community for decades to come.  The sensitive, adaptive reuse of heritage structures also helps to make this project a standout. The development was the product of collaboration between Mirvac, Inner West Council and the community. Well done, Mirvac.

Award 4 - Great new place to live and/or work

WINNER: Hudson District Park - Strathfield Council

Hudson District Park is an outstanding example of transforming privatised open space into a shared community asset. Strathfield Council brought the community along on the journey and its bold effort to transform a golf course into a popular public park is worthy of recognition and celebration. The panel applauds Council's contribution to increasing the accessibility of open space and the amenity of the area. It's a timely achievement, as Sydneysiders come to realise the value and significance of social connections and open spaces. Congratulations to Strathfield on this remarkable result.

COMMENDATION: Arkadia - DKO Architecture, Breathe Architecture and Oculus

Arkadia breaks new ground for Defence Housing, with its dedication to exceptional design quality, significant sustainability attributes, dwelling diversity, inclusion of a range of affordable housing options, and strong community focus. The aesthetic of the recycled brick references the site's brickworks history and is also impressive. This project was a collaboration between DKO Architecture, Breathe Architecture and Oculus. Congratulations.

COMMENDATION: The Paper Mill Precinct - Coronation Property

The Paper Mill Precinct is an outstanding example of clever adaption and reuse of an industrial building. Our panel noted that such developments are often confined to the inner parts of the Eastern City and was very excited to see this approach being delivered in the Western Parkland City. We look forward to more high-quality projects that re-purpose old structures for community enjoyment, thereby telling the history of the Western Parkland City as it grows. Well done to Coronation Property. 

Award 5 - Planning for jobs and skills

WINNER: Local Jobs and Local People - Liverpool City Council

Through this exceptional work, Liverpool City Council has taken a hands-on approach to economic development. It's a timely piece of work, as we think more deeply about the significance of local economies. The multidimensional problem-solving used in this practical approach has delivered a strategy that sets out a clear pathway to tangible outcomes. Successful implementation of strategies like this will be critical to Greater Sydney's economic recovery. Congratulations, Liverpool.   

COMMENDATION: Parramatta Night City Framework - City of Parramatta

The Central River City is increasingly important to Greater Sydney's economy and recovery from the pandemic. Council clearly understands the magnitude of Parramatta's role and the Parramatta Night City Framework is evidence of that. Through this framework, Council is aiming to deliver an active and vibrant night-time economy that reflects the diversity of its residents. This creativity and ambition is clearly worthy of commendation. Well done, Parramatta.  

Award 6 - Great sustainability initiative

WINNER: Cycling and Micro-Mobility Network - Transport for NSW

In Greater Sydney, over 2 million trips per day taken by cars are less than 2 kilometres. In the past, cycling and micro-mobility was generally considered in a piecemeal, suburb by suburb manner predominantly under the auspices of each local government area. Improving cycling capacity across the whole metropolis can be transformational for how we move and, in turn, for the city. This Network Program of Transport for NSW is a significant and critically important step in helping deliver a true network across the entire metropolitan area of Greater Sydney, catalysing the environmental benefits of cycling. This is an immense win for active transport and for the future of our city. Congratulations, Transport for NSW.

COMMENDATION: Living Connections - Waverley Council

Waverley's Living Connections project is an outstanding community focused initiative. Providing tailored garden advice, face to face engagement and free plants for residents highlights the importance of utilising private green space in a sustainable way. The initiative demonstrated commendable results - over 70 households creating valuable habitats for birds and over 2100 native seedlings planted by the local community. Well done, Waverley.

COMMENDATION: Best Gift Sustainable Christmas Market - Randwick City Council

The holiday season is a joyful but often unsustainable time of the year. Through this project, Randwick City Council has used their capital to start an important conversation and prompt positive change. Council's Sustainable Christmas Market has become a well-supported community initiative with a simple and clever message encouraging creativity and behaviour change. The scalability of the market is valuable and should serve as encouragement for other councils to consider their own versions. The judging panel would like to see this initiative grow across Greater Sydney.

Award 7 - Planning disruptor

WINNER: On the Go: how women travel around our city; a case study on active transport across Sydney - Cred Consulting

A city is not a homogenous mass of human beings. As city makers and shapers, it's important we use an intersectional lens to understand how people move around and engage with a city. Cred Consulting engaged with women of all ages from across Greater Sydney in this clever and broad piece of research, following them on their journeys across the city. Their work has culminated in clear and meaningful recommendations that should be considered and acted on. The panel notes this project's alignment with the Commission's commitment to a more equitable Greater Sydney and is keen to see this approach taken further to better understand the multiple different perspectives within our communities. Congratulations, Cred Consulting.

Award 8 - Chief Commissioner's Award

WINNER: Streets as Shared Spaces program - Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

This bold pilot program responded swiftly and creatively to challenges created by the pandemic. The state-wide program promotes temporary activation projects across local government areas, with a view to increasing public space, improving local streets and making it easier and safer for people to access recreation and services. Streets as Shared Spaces demonstrates a clear link to the Commission's aspirations for a more liveable and equitable Greater Sydney. This thoughtful and innovative response to significant contemporary issues is underpinned by practicality, with a scalability factor that means implementation is not aspirational, but instead truly achievable. As Greater Sydney looks to recover from recent shocks, Streets as Shared Spaces will play an important role in delivering the metropolis Sydneysiders want and deserve.  

Nominees

2019 Greater Sydney Planning Awards

2018 Greater Sydney Planning Awards

2017 Greater Sydney Planning Awards

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