Australian War Memorial Development Project recognised with major industry awards
The Australian War Memorial's landmark Development project has received further national recognition, securing multiple Project of the Year awards and earning acclaim as one of Australia's most significant public building projects, constructed while remaining operational.
National recognition
The Australian War Memorial's new galleries and expanded precinct have been recognised with two major Project of the Year honours in September 2026.
Engineering consultancy TTW received Project of the Year at the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards for its role in delivering structural and civil engineering over the last 7 years.
The recognition follows further success at the 2026 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards, where Lendlease Construction received both Project of the Year and Commercial Construction Project of the Year for the new Anzac Hall and Atrium along with several other contractors who worked on the Development Project.
The awards acknowledge the extraordinary collaboration, innovation and craftsmanship required to deliver one of Australia's most ambitious and technically demanding contemporary heritage projects.
Read more about Engineers Australia Awards.
2026 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards
Lendlease Construction received both Project of the Year and Commercial Construction Project of the Year.
The Australian War Memorial's new Anzac Hall and Atrium connection seamlessly integrate contemporary architecture with the historic Memorial building, creating expanded spaces for visitors to explore Australia's military history.
Creating new spaces for new stories
At the heart of the development is a renewed commitment to sharing the stories of Australian service in ways that are engaging, immersive and deeply personal. The new Anzac Hall and expanded gallery spaces provide the Memorial with greater capacity to tell these stories with the depth, context and respect they deserve.
Opened in June 2026, the new galleries explore Australia's involvement in Afghanistan, peacekeeping operations and conflicts in the Middle East, ensuring these contemporary experiences are represented alongside the nation's established military history. Visitors can also encounter familiar stories through fresh perspectives, including the iconic Lancaster bomber G for George and reimagined Second World War displays.
For decades, the RAAF C-130 Hercules was the workhorse of the Royal Australian Air Force, supporting operations in times of peace and conflict alike. Now on display in the new Anzac Hall, it helps tell the stories of Australian service across the globe, including peacekeeping missions in Cambodia, Somalia and Rwanda.
Excellence at a grand scale
Master Builders ACT judges described the Anzac Hall and Atrium as among the most complex and technically ambitious public buildings constructed in Australia, praising the project as "excellence at a grand scale".
A defining feature of the development is the striking 130-metre curved and raking concrete wall that forms the spine of Anzac Hall. The structure is clad with 3,600 pieces of sandstone sourced from the same quarry location used during construction of the original Memorial building in the 1940s.
The design reflects the architectural character and materiality of the heritage Memorial while expressing a distinctly contemporary identity.
Projections of the Hall of Memory's stained-glass windows illuminate the Australian War Memorial's historic façade, while the Oculus above the new entrance highlights the connection between the Memorial's heritage and its contemporary development.
Building with heritage
One of the development's greatest achievements has been balancing modern museum requirements with the stewardship of a nationally significant heritage site.
The new architecture has been carefully designed to complement the existing Memorial rather than imitate it, creating a seamless connection between old and new.
Together, the buildings provide enhanced spaces for large technology objects, immersive exhibitions, research facilities and visitor experiences while protecting the Memorial's historic character.
The Australian War Memorial's Development Project brought together specialists from across design, construction and project management to deliver one of Australia's most significant cultural infrastructure projects.
Powered by people
Nearly 2,000 workers contributed to the construction of the new Anzac Hall, including more than 250 apprentices and over 100 veterans.
Architects, engineers, builders, designers, consultants, tradespeople, craftspeople and apprentices worked together across several years to deliver the project.
Their collective effort has created enduring new spaces that will serve future generations while honouring those who have served Australia.
Natural light fills the Australian War Memorial's redeveloped entrance hall, welcoming visitors into the expanded precinct.
Industry-wide recognition
In addition to the headline Project of the Year awards, the Memorial Development project and its project partners received a remarkable collection of industry honours.
Lendlease
- Project of the Year
- Commercial Construction Project of the Year (projects over $100 million)
- WHS Project of 2026 for its Targeted Risk Management System, which achieved zero incidents
Hindmarsh Construction Australia
- Commercial Construction ($50 million to $100 million) for the CEW Bean Building expansion and Central Energy Plant
- Project Displaying Technical Difficulty or Innovation
The project includes the Southern Hemisphere's largest closed-loop ground source heat exchanger.
ACT Steelworks
- Commercial Subcontractor of the Year
- Project Displaying Technical Difficulty or Innovation (Subcontractor)
ACT Steelworks designed and constructed 33 bespoke mounts supporting aircraft, helicopters and military vehicles displayed throughout Anzac Hall and the Atrium.
Eifer Pty Ltd
- Best Use of Material in a Commercial Project
Recognised for the CEW Bean Building expansion, including the curved glass façade surrounding the public reading room.
Judges' Commendations
- Pacific Stone for the Anzac Hall foyer façade
- ACT Interiors for the Anzac Hall interiors