Parramatta’s internationally acclaimed fitness, wellness and relaxation hub, Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC), has added another trophy to its cabinet, winning the prestigious 2025 IOC & IAKS Architecture Prize.
This global award recognises the most sustainable, accessible and innovative sports and leisure facilities worldwide. Out of 69 entrants, only nine facilities were named winners this year — and PAC is the only Australian winner.
The IOC & IAKS Architecture Prize celebrates excellence in:
The award was presented during a special gala at the 29th IAKS Congress in Cologne, Germany, attended by leading architects and sports facility designers from around the world. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said: “PAC has already punched above its weight as a facility and now it’s even getting noticed by two of the world’s biggest sporting organisations – this one is a big win for the City.” “We are the only winner from Australia this year and as the home of festivals, sports and entertainment we pride ourselves on world-class facilities — it doesn’t get much bigger than this.” “Our emerging global City has just experienced its biggest Lanes festival with 335,000 people over four days and this is just the icing on the cake.”
Other winners include aquatic and sports facilities from:
Cr Zaiter also thanked the design and architecture teams behind PAC, Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall. Their vision and expertise helped make this award-winning facility a reality.
Discover more about PAC’s world-class features and programs