Nazareth College to build new two-storey year 10 school at Kidman Park on old SASI site

The former SA Sports Institute site has sat empty since it was vacated earlier in the year – now a private school has announced its grand plans. See the fly-through.

A private school will expand with a fifth campus including a two-storey building solely for year 10 students on the site of the old South Australian Sports Institute.

Nazareth Catholic College would demolish all the old SASI structures at the 4.2ha Valetta Rd site aside from the gym for a new, purpose-built learning centre.

As well as are general learning areas, food and digital tech, art rooms, multiple all-electric science labs and a multi-purpose room are included.

Nazareth already has a senior year 11-12 campus about four minutes away on Findon Rd, as well as other junior and middle school campuses at Findon, Flinders Park and Underdale.

But the Valetta Rd expansion will allow room for up to 450 new year 10 students as the Catholic college seeks to provide different specialised learning across its campuses.

About 70 new staff would be required.

Artist impression of Nazareth Catholic College's proposed two-storey campus expansion at Kidman Park. Picture: Russell and Yelland Architects

The former South Australian Sports Institute building at Kidman Park, which will be demolished for the new school. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Artist impression of Nazareth Catholic College's proposed two-storey campus expansion at Kidman Park. Picture: Russell and Yelland Architects, ,

A key feature of the senior school expansion is the 180sq m ‘Sanctuary area’ on the ground floor, which aims to offer a calm, green space for reflection and informal learning, with a strong focus on student wellbeing and development.

Micro-libraries will be located throughout shared areas across the building will encourage spontaneous exploration and curiosity.

Students from years 10-12 would move between the new campus and the existing Kidman Park school for tailored learning and use all specialist facilities.

The existing SASI gym, sports field and sand volleyball courts would be retained and refreshed, while a tiered timber amphitheatre for outdoor learning and drama performances is planned.

Artist impression of Nazareth Catholic College's proposed two-storey campus expansion at Kidman Park. Picture: Russell and Yelland Architects, ,

The outside of the proposed two-storey campus expansion at Kidman Park. Picture: Russell and Yelland Architects

Inside Nazareth Catholic College's proposed two-storey campus expansion at Kidman Park. Picture: Russell and Yelland Architects, ,

Other features include an entry plaza, seating walls, irrigated lawn areas, designated outdoor learning are and more than 80 carparks.

Minor works to the gym include demolishing existing brick infill and installing new windows and new glazed double doors, along with new stairs and a ramp.

The Catholic Archdiocese bought the site about a year ago for nearly $20m. The SASI moved into its new, $88m HQ at Mile End in March.

Construction is expected to start mid-2026, and it’s opened to open for teaching and learning in 2028.

Public consultation is on now until December 3.