Xavier College in Gawler Belt reveals $20m expansion plan

A Catholic school has revealed a classy $20m upgrade plan, the first part of a staged expansion, as its enrolment numbers swell.

Xavier College at Gawler Belt wants to construct a new two-storey building with science labs and general learning areas. Picture: Supplied

A Catholic secondary school in Gawler plans to build a modern two-storey building for senior students as part of a $20m upgrade in the first stage of a larger expansion.

The upgrade to Xavier College’s Gawler Belt campus, detailed in documents submitted to Gawler Council, would include new amphitheatre-style seating, a staff carpark accommodating 61 cars, and a two-storey building with science laboratories and general learning areas.

Xavier College at Gawler Belt wants to construct a new two-storey building with science labs and general learning areas. Picture: Supplied

An artist's impression of the ground floor at the new Xavier College building. Picture: Supplied

Xavier College principal Mark Flaherty said the upgrade would support increased enrolments at the Gawler Belt campus over the past few years. The upgrade comprises the first stage of a larger expansion.

Mr Flaherty said the new building for senior students would include 16 learning spaces with specialist science laboratories, cross-curricula workshops and general learning areas.

He said an outdoor multipurpose space with tiered seating would connect to the school’s present AFL-sized football oval, forming a “flexible learning and presentation area” for up to two classes.

“Our stage-one development will allow us to deliver first-class learning spaces, which will benefit our students and community,” Mr Flaherty said.

An artist's impression of learning commons at level one of the new Xavier College building. Picture: Supplied

An artist's impression of a general learning area at the ground floor of the new Xavier College building. Picture: Supplied

He said the large new staff carpark would “cater for the intended growth of staff and student numbers”.

Pending council planning approval, construction is expected to start in late 2025, for completion by mid-2026.

Xavier College is a coeducational Catholic college with two secondary campuses at Gawler Belt and Two Wells, and a primary campus at Evanston.

In November 2023, Xavier College’s Two Wells campus unveiled a $24.8m upgrade, which included two new buildings and outdoor amenities.