Future foundations set in stone with $16 million uplift
Local
An independent, southern suburbs school founded by the
almost 130 years ago has unveiled its new masterplan to guide and sustain its future development
The plan for Sacred Heart College in Somerton Park outlines a significant transformation of Marcellin Campus and focuses on creating contemporary learning spaces, enhancing student wellbeing, strengthening community connections and supporting future-focused education opportunities.
Principal Daniel Lynch (pictured) said the masterplan is essentially about learning the conditions that allow students to thrive.
“It reflects our commitment to providing facilities that support excellence in teaching and learning, while carefully stewarding the heritage, environment and character of our college,” he said.
The first stage of development will see the expansion of the Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre within the Marcellin campus, creating a new home for music, arts and technology. The precinct will include rehearsal and tuition rooms, recording and podcast studios, visual art spaces and specialist ceramics and photography facilities, providing students with greater opportunities to explore their creativity and develop new skills.
Work is expected to begin in 2027/28 and comes with an estimated investment of $16 million which will lay the foundation for future developments and deliver meaningful enhancements to creative learning and community spaces.
A second stage will deliver a three storey specialist learning building featuring modern science laboratories, food technology facilities, a new library, cafeteria and a dedicated Year 12 Hub designed to support both collaboration and wellbeing.
Future developments will also include enhanced boarding facilities, with upgraded living, dining and communal spaces designed to strengthen the boarding experience and provide students with a genuine sense of home. A new design and technology and learning building will further expand opportunities for hands-on learning through contemporary specialist facilities.
“By investing in contemporary learning spaces, strengthening the arts, building a new boarding house, and restoring important green spaces that returns Paringa Hall (a heritage listed 19th century Victorian mansion and the centrepiece of the college’s Marcellin campus) to its place at the heart of the campus, we are positioning Sacred Heart College to meet the needs of future generations and continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our students,” Mr Lynch said.
Pivotally, the masterplan has been shaped through consultation with students, staff, families, old collegians and key stakeholders. Their input has helped ensure future developments reflect the needs and aspirations of the community while preserving the character and heritage of the College, Mr Lynch said.
Sustainability and stewardship will remain central to every stage of development he said, in order to balance innovation with tradition and to provide opportunities for young people to thrive for generations to come.
Principal Daniel Lynch
