Architects awarded in 2025 NSW heritage awards

Twenty winners have been named in the 2025 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards in recognition of their excellence in the conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage across the state.

Awards were presented in ten categories, along with the President's Prize, the Judges' Choice Award, the inaugural People's Choice Award and four prizes for individuals. Reflecting on this year's celebrated projects, CEO of the National Trust (NSW) Debbie Mills commented, "The geographical spread of winners is very impressive - from Port Macquarie to Bega, Sydney to Broken Hill."

Heritage Council of NSW chair Sally Barnes added, "I'm impressed by the sheer diversity of projects. It's wonderful to celebrate the role of heritage in creating beautiful and much-loved places in our modern world."

The 2025 jury comprised Matthew Devine (chair), Ann Toy, Barrina South, David Burdon, Caitlin Allen, Libby Gallagher, Kathryn Pitkin, Peter John Cantrill and Sophie Canaris. They awarded the Judges' Choice Award to the Old Bega Hospital revival, which was entered by a team including Design 5 Architects. The project involved the extensive repair and rebuild of an 1888 building after fire ravaged the site in 2004. The jury described the works as "sensitive, elegantly resolved and a project that sets the standard for heritage conservation."

The Architecture category was won by Neeson Murcutt Neille for the Former Workmen's Dwellings Lower Fort Street, an adaptive re-use of a row of former social housing buildings in The Rocks conservation precinct.

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe applauded the winners for their outstanding efforts in safeguarding and promoting NSW's heritage, noting that "these projects play a crucial role in ensuring our unique places and stories are celebrated and conserved for future generations."

The winners are:

Former Workmen's Dwellings Lower Fort Street, Dawes Point - entered by Neeson Murcutt Neille

Old Bega Hospital, Bega - entered by Design 5 Architects, Old Bega Hospital Reserve Land Manager, NSW Public Works, Leser Build

Parliament of NSW Rum Hospital Project, Sydney - entered by Department of Parliamentary Services

Conservation of the Barangaroo Boat, Sydney - entered by Sydney Metro with Silentworld Foundation and York Archaeological Trust

Nepean River Trail, Camden - entered by Camden Council

See the full list of winners for the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards on the National Trust's website.