Green track wins another national award

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 has been recognised in the Leadership, Advocacy and Research – city and regional scale category at the 2022 Australian Urban Design Awards (AUDA), for its research study ‘Green track for Parramatta Light Rail’.

Judges particularly noted the innovative approach, saying ‘The green track project has set a new precedent in determining the viability of urban greening projects and successfully demonstrated that with due diligence and design, larger scale pieces of climate sensitive infrastructure could be delivered with confidence.”

In accepting the award on behalf of the Parramatta Light Rail team, Project Director Craig Paterson noted that the green track initiative is one of many great urban design successes. ‘Importantly, this solution can also be applied to other city-shaping projects across Australia in the future,’ he said. ‘It showcases urban design, beautiful aesthetics and the many environmental and place benefits that it can deliver.’

Parramatta Light Rail’s Urban Design Requirements (Blue Book) was also shortlisted as a nominee in the Leadership, Advocacy and Research – city and regional scale category.

Co-convened by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects, and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, AUDA recognises contemporary Australian urban design projects that strive for best practice in all projects and promotes the critical role of good urban design in shaping our built environment.

The green track features grass and groundcover that runs along 1.3km of the Parramatta Light Rail, located in the Cumberland Precinct, Robin Thomas Reserve and Tramway Avenue in Parramatta. It improves mobility and amenity and provides numerous environmental benefits. The green track research study was undertaken in partnership with Western Sydney University.