Opening date set for new Catholic secondary school
An iconic almost 70-year-old building will have a new lease of life with a cohort of Year 7 students
Mackay
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THE former Sugar Research Institute that commands your attention driving along Nebo Rd will soon be given a fresh lease of life.
In 2022, the first cohort of Year 7 students will walk through the iconic building’s doors as pupils of Mackay Catholic Secondary College.
Years 8 to 12 will then be rolled out in subsequent years.
The Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton purchased the site in 2016 for $5.75 million.
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Plans for the new Catholic Secondary School earmarked for the former Sugar Research Institute site
Earlier this year, the Diocese’s executive director Leesa Jeffcoat said a steering committee comprising local Parish and community representatives was overseeing the development.
Committee chair Michael McCusker said the Diocese was working closely with a heritage architect on all aspects of the school’s development.
The development proposal lodged to Mackay Regional Council in May requested to remove the timber doors with glass panels in the foyer because it would adversely impact the school’s functionality.
The proposal also sought permission to demolish walls in the existing corridor to create a gathering zone for parents and students entering the administration area but the existing timber shelving would be salvaged for a new trophy display.
Outside, plans include a new bus stop and shelter, trees and landscaping.
But the royal palms lining the driveway, which the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection listed as aesthetically significant parts, will remain.
Architect Karl Langer designed the Sugar Research Institute building which opened in 1953 to progress sugar industry research.
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But in 2006, the Sugar Research Institute’s work moved to the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.
An announcement detailing further information about the school is expected to be made later this afternoon on behalf of Ms Jeffcoat.
A further announcement will be made at 11am tomorrow.
Timeline
1949 – Sugar Research Institute is formed
1953 – The building on Nebo Road was opened
1966 – Harold Vivian Marsh Brown’s design additions were added
2006 – Research work transferred to Brisbane
2016 – Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton buys it for $5.75 million
2020 – Announcement made that a new Catholic Secondary School will open in 2022
2022 – First Year 7 cohort scheduled to attend
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