Walford Anglican School for Girls announces $5m Heart of Walford upgrade

While most schools are calling out for more buildings, Walford’s principal says hers has different ideas for the future. See the pictures and video.

A $5m upgrade at Walford aims to beautify the school and address a lack of open space on the campus.

The Hyde Park Anglican girls’ school has just kicked off the project, to include an extension to its performing arts complex, featuring a drama studio and new “Lady Chapel”.

There will also be major landscaping work, a plaza, new seating areas, a “chapel garden”, running water stream and new location for the school’s old bell.

An artist's impression of the new “Lady Chapel” and performing arts areas. Picture: supplied

Principal Rebecca Clarke said the work would be completed over the next few years, having just begun with the demolition of a 1920s hall, which has opened up space on the site.

At a time when many other schools were focusing on major new buildings, she said “we’re actually deconstructing to create amazing green space for the students and our community”.

“In a community like ours, the strength of it is the sense of belonging that we want everybody to have.

“Traditionally, the school has really craved more open space for the students.”

The new outdoor areas planned at Walford. Picture: Supplied

Walford has playing fields on the corner of Belair and Cross roads, but the new outdoor areas on-campus will bring more opportunities for girls to socialise, eat together and take part in events and activities.

The work is also opening up views of heritage buildings, such as the original Headmistress’s home, built in 1874.

Ms Clarke described the project, known as “Heart of Walford”, as a “complete internal beatification” of the Unley Road campus.

The Heart of Walford upgrade will be completed over the next few years. Picture: Supplied

The upgrade will be funded through loans and donations from within the school community.

Its first stage, including a plaza, lawn and outdoor seating, is expected to be complete next year in time for the school’s 130-year anniversary.

Advertiser.com.au last week reported that Ms Clarke will next year move to Perth to take up the principal role at Methodist Ladies’ College.

Walford, which charges $28,580 for Year 12 students, had 492 students last year – 20 per cent fewer than its enrolments in 2016.

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