The City of New Westminster is proud to announce that təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Center has been recognized by the prestigious Prix Versailles Selection Committee as one of the World's Most Beautiful Sports Venues for 2024.

Announced each year at UNESCO, the Prix Versailles – the world architecture and design award – recognises contemporary projects that leave extraordinary imprints on their living environments. The award criteria include the innovativeness, creativity, reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency of each project.

Designed by hcma architecture + design, təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre was created for people of all ages and abilities. Focusing on how communities engage in recreation today and in the future, emphasis was placed on human connection and wellness-based activities alongside traditional sporting and fitness pursuits. Over two years, more than 3,000 people, including urban Indigenous, Host Nations, multicultural groups, and an accessibility committee, participated in public and stakeholder engagement. The facility’s inclusive design features generous circulation, high-contrast braille signage, universal washrooms, ramps, zero-entry pools, a transfer ledge in the adult hot pool, and a moveable floor in the 50m pool.

In addition to being amongst the World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venues 2024, təməsew̓txʷ is eligible to compete for one of the three 2024 World Titles – Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior. Those awards will be discerned by the World Judges Panel.

Other nominees in the World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venue List 2024 include:

• Workers’ Stadium, Beijing, China
• Hybrid Stadium, Hangzhou, China
• Olympic Aquatic Centre, Saint-Denis, France
• CITYPARK, St. Louis, Missouri
• Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

The World Titles Announcement will be made on December 2, 2024, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Click here to read the full media release.