Celebrating a Metro milestone – and a legacy of design excellence
Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) is proud to have contributed to several of the most awarded projects at the 2025 NSW Architecture Awards, including the recipient of the state’s highest honour – the NSW Architecture Medallion.
Sydney Metro City Stations: Redefining public infrastructure
The Sydney Metro City & Southwest project received both the NSW Architecture Medallion and the Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design, recognising its civic, cultural and transport impact across Sydney.
Spanning six new and two upgraded stations – including Martin Place, Victoria Cross and Gadigal, all supported by RLB – the project also delivers a second Sydney Harbour rail crossing. Described as a “transformative chapter in Sydney’s history,” it has already enabled over 28 million passenger journeys.
Judges praised its ability to elevate public infrastructure into a civic experience – a result of bold collaboration across architecture, urban design and engineering.
RLB at Martin Place: From concept to completion
At the heart of this city-shaping project is the Martin Place Integrated Station Development. RLB partnered with Macquarie Group from the unsolicited proposal stage through to completion, supporting the delivery of a $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct that brings together two towers, a metro station and public realm over six years.
RLB’s role spanned cost planning, risk and heritage management and stakeholder coordination. Contributions included:
- Safeguarding the structure of neighbouring 50 Martin Place
- Preserving and reinstating Macquarie Group’s public art collection
- Embedding Indigenous storytelling and cultural principles through collaboration with the Gadigal people
The precinct is supported by world-class architecture: 1 Elizabeth by JPW, 39 Martin Place by Tzannes, and the station design by Grimshaw – unified through close coordination and a shared commitment to quality, complexity and civic value.
Award-winning projects supported by RLB
NSW Architecture Medallion
Sydney Metro City Stations – Grimshaw, Foster + Partners, Cox, Woods Bagot, John McAslan + Partners
The Institute’s highest honour, awarded to the most outstanding project across all categories. RLB supported multiple precincts including Martin Place, Victoria Cross and Gadigal.
The Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design
Sydney Metro City Stations – Grimshaw, Foster + Partners, Cox, Woods Bagot, John McAslan + Partners
Recognised for redefining public infrastructure through design that enhances daily life and urban movement.
The Sir Arthur G. Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture
39 Martin Place – Tzannes
A 28-storey commercial tower developed by Macquarie Group. Designed by Tzannes and supported by RLB from feasibility to completion.
Award for Commercial Architecture
1 Elizabeth – JPW
A curvilinear tower by JPW that forms the northern station entry and opens onto a public plaza.
The Greenway Award for Heritage
White Bay Power Station – Design 5 – Architects with Placemaking NSW
Revitalised after 40 years of dormancy, this industrial landmark is now a cultural destination. RLB supported its adaptive reuse.
Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Indi Sydney – Bates Smart
A 36-storey build-to-rent tower above Gadigal Station integrating housing and infrastructure on a constrained city site.
Commendation for Educational Architecture
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College – Scientia Terrace – Hayball
This six-storey facility enables exemplary STEM, sport and social enterprise-based learning for girls, while responding to the layers of history on the heritage-listed Cammeraygal site. Monte’s Scientia Terrace also received the Best Education Project and Overall Winner – Australia at the 2025 Learning Environments Australasia Awards, with RLB proud to support its cost and delivery strategy.
Commendation for Commercial Architecture
First Building, Bradfield City Centre – Hassell
The first completed building in Australia’s newest city. RLB supported early cost and advisory work on this modular, sustainable commercial facility.
Delivering impact through integrated station development
These awards reflect RLB’s ability to support complex, city-defining infrastructure, applying commercial, technical and stakeholder expertise from feasibility through to delivery. We’re proud to contribute to meaningful places that serve and inspire communities.
NSW Architecture Award Winners
Sydney Metro Martin Place Precinct Case Study
https://www.rlb.com/oceania/projects/sydney-metro-martin-place-precinct/
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