Perth's ECU City Campus, delivered by Multiplex, has been named Australia's best construction project, taking out the 2026 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA), the nation's highest honour for construction excellence.
The 73,000sqm development transformed one of Perth's most constrained sites into a world-class university precinct above live rail tunnels and the Perth Busport, while maintaining transport operations throughout construction.
Selected from seven outstanding finalists from across Australia, ECU City Campus prevailed against major projects including Melbourne's Metro Tunnel, Western Sydney International Airport, New Footscray Hospital, Kimberley Marine Base, Groote Eylandt Wharf replacement and the New Sydney Fish Market.
The project has established Perth's first comprehensive inner-city university and is expected to contribute approximately $7.5 billion in long-term economic benefits to Western Australia.
Australian Constructors Association CEO Peter Colacino said the project demonstrated what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration and capability come together.
“ECU City Campus represents Australian construction at its best,” said Mr Colacino.
“This was an immensely complex project delivered in one of Australia's most challenging urban environments. The team overcame extraordinary engineering constraints while maintaining critical transport infrastructure and keeping their focus firmly on the end outcome.
“What set this project apart was that it delivered outstanding results well beyond the physical asset. It supported 122 apprentices and trainees, directed more than 95 per cent of project expenditure to Western Australian businesses, and awarded $32 million in work to Indigenous enterprises.
“The project shows what is possible when clients, contractors and the supply chain work together to solve problems and create lasting value for the community.
“With the nation’s construction investment pipeline shifting north and west to meet the defence and new energy pipeline, this win shows that the industry is capable of delivering remarkable projects nationwide.”
Chair of the ACAA Judging Panel Tanya Cox said ECU City Campus distinguished itself through its consistent performance across all assessment criteria.
“What impressed the judging panel was not one standout feature, but the project's ability to achieve exceptional outcomes across every category,” said Ms Cox.
“The project successfully combined engineering excellence, workforce development, sustainability, innovation and stakeholder collaboration while delivering a highly complex development above critical transport infrastructure.
“The team continually challenged conventional thinking. Through innovative redesign, they reduced structural steel requirements from approximately 6,000 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes while maintaining performance outcomes and creating substantial cost and sustainability benefits.
“Ultimately, this project demonstrates how Australia's most successful projects create value not only through the assets they deliver, but through the legacy they leave behind.”
The award was presented following the Foundations and Frontiers Forum in Sydney, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the reforms, innovations and delivery practices already underway to improve productivity and performance across Australia's construction sector.
Now in its 29th year, this premier construction industry Award has again been partnered by some of the major businesses connected with the industry including Cbus Super, Engineers Australia, Gallagher, InEight, InfraBuild and Pinsent Masons.
Key facts
ECU City Campus:
- Delivered by Multiplex
- 73,006sqm campus in Perth CBD
- Completed in accordance with contractual timeframes
- Constructed above operational rail tunnels and the Perth Busport
- Approximately 10,000 students and staff accommodated
- $7.5 billion estimated long-term economic benefit
- Up to 5,000 jobs supported during construction
- 122 apprentices and trainees employed
- $32 million awarded to Indigenous businesses
- More than 95% of project expenditure directed to WA businesses
- Steel requirements reduced from approximately 6,000 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes through innovative redesign
- 94.7% of construction waste diverted from landfill
- 600kW solar installation, one of the largest in central Perth
- 5 Star Green Star rating
About the Australian Construction Achievement Award
Proudly presented by the Australian Constructors Association since 1997, the Australian Construction Achievement Award is the industry's highest honour. The award recognises projects that demonstrate excellence in value for money, workforce capability and skills development, and positive culture through a rigorous independent judging process that includes detailed reviews, presentations and site inspections.
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
Contact details:
Megan Anderson, Head of Media and Communications
ph: 0475 978 478 / e: [email protected]
