The Oval at Subi East on Whadjuk Country in Perth collected three awards at the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Western Australia Landscape Architecture Awards – an Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage, along with Landscape Architecture Awards for both the Parks and Open Space, and Civic Landscape categories.

Designed by OCULUS, together with design partner UDLA, the project is a generous, landscape-led, community space that honours living memories and existing materials while imagining a vibrant and connected future.

The site has been transformed into a series of community-focused public open spaces, including a reimagined oval with community sports facilities, a new playground, and a parkour course, all connected by the Noongar-led Six Seasons Bidi.

The jury declared the project “a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse in urban renewal,” one that “sets a new standard for sustainable and culturally rich public spaces.”

“This complex, high-profile project meets significant technical and community expectations with clarity and sensitivity. Leadership in Indigenous engagement is central to its success, shifting from consultation to co-decision-making with Traditional Owners.”

The Bidi – an immersive art trail led by the Subi East Elder Group and Karrda – integrates Noongar knowledge and culture and stitches the site into its neighbourhood. Throughout, community-oriented public spaces including a reimagined oval and a large-scale pavilion are set among refurbished heritage gates, repurposed stadium elements, and an open-air museum celebrating the oval's historic role in WA football.

Congratulations to everyone involved – view the full list of winning projects here.