Wimbo Park in Surry Hills has received an Award of Excellence from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in the state’s annual design honours.
Recognition for Green Space in Surry Hills
Wimbo Park in Surry Hills has been acknowledged with an Award of Excellence at the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards. Designed by Sue Barnsley Design and commissioned by the City of Sydney, the park was recognised in the Parks and Open Space category by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Chapter.
Project Background
The redevelopment of Wimbo Park followed the delivery of the South-East Light Rail, which enabled the expansion of the site along Devonshire Street. Planning for the project began in 2016. The park now functions as a public open space and connects the urban area of Surry Hills with regional parklands, including Moore and Centennial Parks.
Design and Features
The jury noted the project’s restrained design, highlighting how its simplicity addressed complex site conditions. The reconfiguration of Parkham Lane into a shared zone and the linking of Devonshire Street’s green infrastructure were part of the project’s ecological and community-focused outcomes.
Key heritage features preserved in the park include the Wimbo Paddock Mural and a Stonemasons monument. These elements were viewed as contributing significantly to the park’s identity and integration with the local context.
Although the project did not include a First Nations cultural collaborator, Sue Barnsley Design indicated that the practice advocated for Country throughout the design process. The park is located on Gadi Country.
Broader Landscape Architecture Recognition
Other award recipients at the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards included Parramatta Square, Barangaroo Station Park and the Parramatta Light Rail project. All NSW award recipients, including Wimbo Park, will proceed to the national awards to be held in Hobart in October this year.
Published 26-June-2025
