Westminster School at Marion reveals $35 million school upgrade plan to feature new innovation hub
A PRESTIGIOUS Adelaide private school will spend $35 million redeveloping its campus, in what it has billed as the largest single investment of its type in the state.
A PRESTIGIOUS Adelaide private school will spend $35 million on a major transformation of its campus which it has billed as the largest single investment ever by an independent school in South Australia.
Westminster School has unveiled development plans for its 23ha Marion site, including a three-storey extension to its performing arts centre and a new three-storey ‘inquiry and innovation’ hub.
Principal Simon Shepherd said the new hub, containing science labs, IT, design engineering and technology and fashion spaces, was the centrepiece of the self-funded plan which was revealed to the school community this afternoon.
“The Inquiry and Innovation Hub forms part of our commitment to preparing students to become the innovators, educators and leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
“We will be expanding our already exceptional facilities to support innovative teaching and learning that will inspire students and help them fulfil their potential.
“I think what we can’t lose sight of is that South Australia has been an innovative state and we have got great things happening here.”
The redevelopment also consits of a new community food cafe for students and visitors, learning resource centre and a new outdoor meeting space, called Westminster Square.
First stage will be construction of the inquiry hub, which is scheduled to start next year pending planning approvals.
The entire $35 million build, designed by Adelaide architects Brown Falconer and Melbourne firm Hayball, is expected to be completed by 2021 to coincide with the school’s 60th anniversary.
Mr Shepherd said the early-learning to Year 12 co-education school will fund the development through the school community, its charitable foundation, old scholars and some “responsible borrowing”.
He said the project has been two-and-a-half years in planning and will guide the school’s future growth.
He said the new hub will also tie in with the school’s focus on agricultural focus and that the much-loved campus farm will not be lost under the redevelopment plan.
“We are entering a truly exciting stage in Westminster’s history and embracing the future of learning and excellence,” he said.
The proposed development was presented to the school community on Friday afternoon.
Westminster is among Adelaide’s most exclusive schools, charging more than $21,000 for Year 12.
Among notable old scholars are musician Mark Holden, former Australian cricketer Cullen Bailey and Thomas Foods International chief executive Darren Thomas, who donated $500,000 to create new scholarships in the largest single gift in the school’s history.
