Each month, we put the spotlight on the progress of various projects in and around the state of Victoria. This time, we look at the Education sector and the latest updates from three projects: the Footscray Learning Precinct, Melbourne Connect and the Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building.

Footscray Learning Precinct

Project: Footscray Learning Precinct – School campuses (2 buildings, 3 storeys)

Status: Construction

Developer: VIC Department of Education and Training

Architect: Hayball Pty Ltd

Construction Start Date: October 2019

Construction End Date: 4th quarter 2020

Value: $29 million

The Footscray Learning Precinct will be comprised of two junior secondary campuses (years 7 – 9) plus one senior secondary campus (years 10 – 12). The two three-storey buildings that make up the campus will cover a range of co-ed teaching facilities, including a performing arts centre, staff areas and other fittings. The project expands on the existing buildings to create an integrated hub for design, arts, technology and science.

This new precinct is part of the government’s school building initiative, and will open its doors for the start of the 2021 school year.

Melbourne Connect – University of Melbourne

Project: Innovation precinct – alternations and additions (7, 11 & 13 storeys)

Status: Construction

Developer: Lendlease Corporation Ltd, GIC, Urbanest Pty Ltd

Architect: Wood Bagot (VIC) Pty Ltd

Construction Start Date: November 2018

Construction End Date: 4th quarter 2020

Value: $425 million

Introducing Melbourne Connect, a facility set to be the country’s top innovation precinct. Existing structures in the location (formerly the Royal Women’s Hospital) will be stripped back and revitalised with new construction to form a full 35,000sqm office space for the Melbourne School of Engineering, areas for commercial and retail tenants, a 3,000sqm shared meeting and events space, and the Melbourne Science Gallery.

Marrying education and business opportunities, this innovation precinct is definitely one to watch out for in 2020.

Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building – Acu St Patricks Campus

Project: University building – alterations and additions (12 storeys)

Status: Construction

Developer: Australian Catholic University

Architect: Newpolis Pty Ltd (trading as Lyons Architecture)

Construction Start Date: December 2018

Construction End Date: 2nd quarter 2022

Value: $206 million

Construction is currently underway on the Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building in ACU’s Melbourne Campus. This exciting new project is part of the 10-year vision for the campus, which looks to accommodate further growth and improve the learning environment for students.

The construction will transform a ground-level carpark into a 12-storey, 18,344sqm teaching and learning space that includes classrooms, informal spaces, a student lounge and more – as well as associated civil works and a seven-level basement for car parking.

Keep your eye out for all the latest developments as we move towards its projected end date of 2022.

Summary

We work closely with a variety of companies on these projects, so if there is a particular project you’re interested in or if you would like to work with any of the companies listed, get in touch with one of the below Consultants:

Architecture: Sarah Ingram

Building: Charles Ferraro, Corey Jacobs and Ryan Wakelin

Civil Construction: Andrew Chalkley and Charlie Kat

Civil Engineering (Design): Bernie Guthrie and Charlie Kat

Structural & Building Services Engineering (Design): Charlie Kat

Property & Project Management: Brett Isard