The first building in Western Sydney's Bradfield City Centre has received the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award, an annual accolade that recognises innovation and excellence in the built environment.
Architecture firm Hassell have received the award for its design of First Building, which houses the first stage of an Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). A design for an adjacent research facility was approved in April as part of the masterplan for Bradfield City Centre, which will see 114 hectares of land tranformed with parks, housing, shops and workplaces near the forthcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Conceived by Hassell as a modular kit of parts, the First Building can be disassembled, expanded or relocated as the city continues to evolve. The facility accommodates offices, a multipurpose space for events, a rooftop viewing platform and green roof, as well as an advanced manufacturing hall used to test prototypes and new technologies.
Kevin Nassif, chief operating officer of Holdmark Property Group, said First Building reflects a commitment to Country-centred design, sustainability and innovation.
"It demonstrates a circular, low-carbon path that creates skilled jobs and new enterprise in Western Sydney. […] Holdmark is proud that this year's recipient recognises real-world innovations that build stronger, more connected communities."
The jury for the 2025 award included co-director of Youssofzay Hart Belqis Youssofzay, Powerhouse senior exhibition curator Keinton Butler, Holdmark Property Group chief operating officer Kevin Nassif, Government Architect NSW director of design excellence Olivia Hyde and Professor Greg Morrison of Western Sydney University.
Upon receiving the award, Hassell managing director Liz Westgarth said, "As architects, designing the first building in a new city is both a profound responsibility and a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. We are proud to have created a building that directly responds to the challenges of our climate and our urban environment. The First Building provides more than a place for people to work and innovate - it sets a benchmark. It demonstrates that new cities can be imagined and built differently: with sustainability, adaptability and community at their core. Most importantly, it sets out a vision for the kind of future we want to create."
The award is presented to one exemplary Australian-designed project that demonstrates forward-thinking solutions to challenges faced by Australia's urban environments. A prize of $10,000 is awarded to the winning project. Previously awarded projects include Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity, which received the award in 2024, and Phive in Parramatta Square by Design Inc. with Lacoste and Stevenson, and Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, which was the inaugural recipient in 2023.
The Holdmark Innovation Award program is presented by Powerhouse in partnership with Sydney Design Week principal partner Holdmark Property Group.
