Whitefriars Catholic School lodges development plans for new two-storey learning centre in Woodville Park

A northwestern suburbs school has revealed plans to construct a new learning centre for an additional 100 students – but first it needs to demolish two character homes. See the plans.

Two character homes would be demolished to make room for a new learning centre under major expansion plans revealed for a northwestern suburbs school.

Whitefriars Catholic School has lodged a development application for the construction of a two-storey learning facility next to its existing Woodville Park campus.

The final design includes six new classrooms for each floor level, catering for an additional 101 students and eight new full-time staff.

In addition, both floors have a common central area, lavatories and retreats.

The first floor will also include a semi-enclosed balcony and link to the existing school building.

The centre would be built at 41 and 43 Beaufort St, two allotments currently occupied by character homes.

Concept image of the new learning centre at Whitefriars Catholic School. Source: PlanSA

Rear view of the new learning centre at Whitefriars Catholic School. Source: PlanSA

The two properties – built circa 1925 – were bought by the Catholic Church Endowment Society in 2014 and 2019 for a combined sum of $1.735m.

In a report to Plan SA, a project manager for URPS said the expansion would help support the school’s enrolment demand.

“Whitefriars Catholic School has been an educational establishment on the site since the early 1900s,” they said.

“The school has steadily grown and currently has 507 students enrolled.

“The school envisages projected growth to approximately 608 students (and) the new learning area will accommodate the expected enrolment projection.”

41 Beaufort St, Woodville Park was purchased in 2019 for $1.2m.

43 Beaufort St, Woodville Park was purchased by the school in 2014 for $535,000.

Community consultation was conducted in August this year.

Feedback received included the need for increased landscaping at interface with adjoining residential land.

Residents also requested that obscure film be applied to upper-level windows adjacent residential land to the west of the development.

The development application is currently open for wider public consultation until Monday, November 1.

The school was contacted for comment.