Principal Team Editorial

It was just over a year ago that the then Minister for Education, James Merlino, and Local Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor, paid us a visit to announce funding for a new Gymnasium and Performing Arts Centre for the school, replacing our Educational and Community Activity Centre (ECA) which was built in the early 1980s. 

That announcement was quickly followed by the appointment of architects (Kosloff Architecture) and we began immediate work on developing not just the plan for the new building but a comprehensive facilities Master Plan for the entire school (not funded at this stage). 

Once the Master Planning was complete, work started on the schematic design for the new Gymnasium and Performing Arts building, with a location finalised (lower oval, adjacent to Amesbury Avenue) and conceptual design completed. All of this work was completed before the end of 2022. Many of you have probably been wondering what has happened since then?

Unfortunately, as many of you would have seen in the media, there has been significant disruption and uncertainty in the construction industry. Inflation has not only increased costs, but supply chain issues have also affected the viability of many projects and construction companies. 

I am pleased to say that whilst this uncertainty has led to a slight delay, fortunately it has not affected our project and we have now begun the design and development phase, where we will finalise every last specific detail of the new buildings. The new Gymnasium will be a dual court, competition grade basketball stadium, supported by toilet and change rooms facilities, toilets, a staff office and storerooms. 

The Dance and Drama spaces will ideally be dual purpose rehearsal and performance spaces supported by appropriate lighting and sound technology, with staff office space and store rooms. The architect's brief is to provide an exceptional functional set of learning spaces with innovative and creative design and aesthetics. Once the design and development phase is completed, I will be excited to share more detailed renders and drawings with you. 

Our timeline would then see us hopefully completing the tender process during Term 4, with a builder appointed before the end of the year. It would be hopeful that construction starts soon after, with shovels hitting the ground close to the start of 2024. I look forward to sharing more updates with you when I get them, needless to say that this project will be worth the wait.

Finally, I would like to farewell long serving staff member Peter Kelly. Peter has been an important and influential member of our teaching community for many years having served in many different roles during this time. He has forged long lasting relationships with thousands of students and hundreds of staff. On behalf of our entire College community I would like to thank Peter for his outstanding contribution to our school.

Kevin Murphy

Principal