Work starts on Blackfriars Priory School’s $13m upgrade

A top private school has begun works on a $13m upgrade set to open to students next year.

Works on a $13m upgrade have begun at a Prospect private school creating new STEM spaces, a dedicated virtual reality room, a cafeteria and a hub for Year 9 students.

Blackfriars Priory School will open a two-storey building to be called the Albert Centre, which will host the school’s new food science and hospitality classes.

Designed by Swanbury Penglase architects, the Albert Centre, which will dovetail the recently built Aquinas Centre, is set to welcome students in 2024.

After the completion of the upgrade the northern suburbs school will demolish an adjacent building to make way for an open-air plaza.

Blackfriars’ $13m development. Picture: Supplied.

Blackfriars’ $13m development. Picture: Supplied.

Outside view of The Albert Centre. Picture: Supplied.

Blackfriars’ new STEM spaces. Picture: Supplied.

Blackfriars’ The Albert Centre. Picture: Supplied.

Blackfriars principal David Ruggiero said the Albert Centre would be an exciting addition to the school.

“The Albert Centre, with the Aquinas Centre, form the centrepiece of the school’s current masterplan and will deliver bright, contemporary, state-of-the-art spaces for our students to learn in and enjoy,” he said.

“This building will further cement Blackfriars’ reputation as one of the most advanced and dynamic learning environments in South Australia.”

The upgrade will be built by SA-based building company Horizon Construction Services, which have been responsible for completing other school builds including at St Joseph’s School, Our Lady of Grace School and St Margaret Mary’s School.