The Blacktown Exercise and Technology Hub, designed by ARM Architecture, is now shortlisted for two major 2024 NSW architecture awards – education and interior architecture. Blacktown city architect Bill Tsakalos described the decision to choose ARM Architecture as a way to create an identity for Western Sydney and make residents feel pride in their community. With a diverse population of 435,000 people from 188 countries speaking 184 languages, Blacktown is the largest council in NSW with an annual budget of $750 million. As nearly half of its residents were born overseas, the LGA has about $700 million in projects aimed at supporting its rapidly growing and diverse population.
A century ago, Australian towns would build libraries, pools, and civic buildings designed to last during times of population and wealth growth. Today, only a few large councils have a city architect like Blacktown’s Bill Tsakalos or the City of Sydney’s Bridget Smyth. Design advisory panels and architectural competitions set up by Smyth have delivered greener, more humane, and innovative projects in Sydney, with 208 significant architectural awards won and $42 billion in projects delivered since 2004. Tsakalos also noted the importance of having high-level architects in local government to improve design quality and influence improvements in design.
To enhance design quality in Blacktown, the council has assembled a panel of architects comprising 400 members with varying sizes, skills, and specializations. This panel has a priority on design quality, which is often challenging to achieve in local government. In a groundbreaking achievement, the council received the NSW Presidents Prize in December 2023, with a citation by the current NSW AIA president Adam Haddow praising two projects – BEST and BARC – for their incredible significance. Haddow highlighted the impact of city architects like Smyth and Tsakalos in delivering essential public infrastructure that will benefit the city for years to come.
The Blacktown Exercise and Technology Hub and other projects constructed in Blacktown are viewed as critical pieces of infrastructure that will shape the city for the next 100 years, much like the iconic buildings in other cities. The council’s dedication to design excellence and thoughtful planning has set a precedent for future developments in Blacktown. The NSW Architecture Awards, to be announced on June 28th, will offer further recognition of the innovative and impactful work being done in the region. Julie Power, the lay juror for the new homes category, will play a role in selecting the winners of this prestigious award.It is evident that the work being done in Blacktown, particularly through projects like the Blacktown Exercise and Technology Hub, is transforming the landscape of the city and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The collaboration between architects, city officials, and community members has resulted in significant public infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. The recognition received through various awards and accolades further validates the importance and impact of design excellence in urban planning and development. By prioritizing design quality, Blacktown is establishing itself as a dynamic and innovative city that values creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity in all aspects of its development.
