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Update on Building & Planning Matters

When I was introduced to St Margaret's for the first time 3 years ago as Chair of Building & Planning, I was enthused by the architecture of the Community House, Sisters Chapel, Mooloomburram, the Boarding House, Eton Hall and Darnell; encouraged by the Arts Centre but disappointed by the fit out of some of these buildings and some other area of the campus.

My comments reflect my background as an architect who consults to many schools, the majority being Anglican schools. At first it was difficult to come to terms with the needs of the school; to understand its direction; to appreciate its financial capacity; to manage maintenance issues; to acknowledge its traffic flow problems and to plan for the future.

After changing priorities and after various urgencies occurred, our direction altered several times. To date we have achieved and planned the following:

• Classrooms (GLA's)
  Three years ago we recognised that all GLA's needed upgrading - carpet, wall linings, painting, ceilings, electrics, blinds, etc. This is just about completed and is an ongoing commitment.

• Junior School
  The BER program changed our direction due to immediacy of available federal funding. We were in desperate need to upgrade the Junior School and to increase classroom sizes. The multi purpose Atrium and new playground are nearly complete and will add significant benefits to the Primary School.  

• Science & Resource Centre
  In lieu of accepting the government funds already approved for upgrading the existing science rooms, we decided that refurbishing existing old science facilities was not sufficient and that creating a new Science and Resource Centre would give state of the art facilities. This would also enable us to refurbish the existing spaces thereby increasing secondary teaching spaces. Tenders closed for the new building on 23 June with builder negotiations nearly complete. This year we have applied for government for funding to assist in the renovation of existing facilities which will be vacated once the new Science and Resource Centre is complete.

• Boarding
  Progressively we have undertaken refurbishments within the boarding house such as new bathrooms, floors and painting. However this is only an interim measure.  We agree that a new boarding house has to be established and are investigating different locations on the school site. The schools architects are working with us to develop a blueprint for new boarding facilities.

• Mooloomburram
  This is a heritage building in need of attention and we would like to restore it to its original appearance. The heritage assessment has been completed in preparation for approvals.

• Arts Centre
  Stage 2 of the Arts Centre is also on our agenda.  We are discussing with the school the formulation of a brief. Its size could be determined by the architect's assessment of the new boarding house location.

• Landscaping / Traffic
  Some areas of the school are due for upgrading. As we complete major progressive renewal of the sewer from Eton Hall to beyond Community House, we have planned to landscape the area between Avoca, Toorak, West / East Wing whilst still maintaining limited vehicle access.
  
  A number of parking solutions have been discussed. Previously we had prepared concept plans to raise the tennis courts in Butler Street and have drop off and parking under. This was an extremely expensive option to try and ease parking congestion. We are currently exploring options to acquire Petrie Street, which, if successful, will help us to address parking and traffic issues.

The School Council has been very supportive of my committee and we have listened to the concerns of past School Council member Scott Glasser in his comments about boarding. We have instigated safety measures in buildings under the leadership of past School Council member Deborah Love and we have been guided by our Business Manager, Toni Williams. Our Planning & Building Committee's vision is limited by availability of finance, as we understand the need to keep our fees competitive. Obviously the major new capital expenditure projects and the campus improvement projects are assisted in part by Government funding, but we would also be most grateful for any assistance that can come from the community through the St Margaret's Foundation.

The Building & Planning Committee hopes that the School community shares our vision. We welcome any constructive suggestions to Toni Williams.

Darrell Brown
Chair
Building & Planning Committee