Yarrila Place bags prestigious national architecture award

YARRILA Place has taken out one of Australia’s most prestigious architecture awards for public buildings.

Announced at a gala ceremony in Canberra, the Council facility in the Coffs Harbour CBD won the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture in the 2025 National Architecture Awards, run by the The Australian Institute of Architects.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our community, and the vision of the City of Coffs Harbour and the architects BVN who designed a statement, practical and unique building which has already become symbolic for Coffs Harbour,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“Yarrila Place with its cutting-edge Harry Bailey Memorial Library, gallery and museum is an inclusive, welcoming facility which has been quickly embraced by the community as shown by the hundreds of thousands through the doors since it opened in 2023.”

According to the National Architecture Awards jury, “Yarrila Place distinguishes itself as an exemplar of regional social and civic infrastructure – one that places community impact before excess, efficiently yet generously weaving together library, museum, council and community functions within a single robust and dynamic form.

“Architecture at its best catalyses engagement, learning and inclusion across diverse communities,” the jury stated.

“Yarrila Place embodies this ethos, challenging conventional paradigms to unlock broad opportunities for connection and shared experience.

“Yarrila Place stands as a model for renewal of public buildings, its impact far exceeding the sum of its parts, setting a new benchmark for community engagement and cultural celebration.”

BVN Principal Matthew Blair said he was delighted to be involved in such an important project for the Coffs Coast community.

“Coffs Harbour is an amazing, beautiful place. This building celebrates the optimism and positivity of a community investing in this place,” Mr Blair said.

“Being involved has been an honour and has reaffirmed our belief in the power of architecture to create holistic places for people and nature that are welcoming for all.

“Having grown up within the vibrant Coffs Harbour community and knowing the history of this project, I understand the impact that these facilities can have on our locale.”

Yarrila Place was also feted by the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) in 2025, winning the Sulman Medal for Public Architecture.

Lipman, the builders of Yarrila Place, won a 2024 Master Builders’ Association NSW Excellence in Construction Award for Public Buildings ($50m-$100m category), as well as gold awards in the Best Use of Bricks, Best Use of Masonry and Best Use of Tile categories.