Pennant Hills: Eremeran study centre lodges DA for Stevens St, Yararra Rd site

An Opus Dei study centre in northwest Sydney is looking to expand by replacing its existing centre with a larger one to meet demand. Take a look inside the Catholic facility that teaches young girls ‘a commitment to serve’.

Aerial view of proposed Eremeran Hills community centre’s site.

An Opus Dei study centre in northwest Sydney is looking to expand as the reach and popularity of the Catholic group grows.

The Eremeran study centre, located at 1-3 Stevens St and 26 Yararra Rd, Pennant Hills, has lodged a $4.1 million development application, which would see the site’s existing buildings demolished and replaced with an expanded community facility.

The new community facility would be a two-storey educational establishment which includes nine bedrooms with ensuites on the second floor, as well as study rooms and a library.

The director of Eremeran, Jane Woodhead, said they are looking to build a new community facility to meet demand.

“Over the years, Eremeran has attracted a growing number of school-aged participants, as well as university students and young professionals: outgrowing its current premises,” Ms Woodhead said.

What it could look like … artist impression of Eremeran’s proposed community centre.

“Right now we’re managing with what we have, but it seems that even two combined family-sized houses are too small for so many girls and their big dreams.

“We are so excited to move forward and grow, and continue to be a part of the lives of this wonderful community.”

She added the community centre would be custom-made for the types of activities Eremeran runs, as a study centre for school girls and women at university as well as a girls club which encourages community service.

According to Eremeran’s website, the study centre is primarily run by volunteers and parents.

“The activities are designed to foster the holistic development of each girl through her work, her spirit of service and her relationship with God,” the website states.

Ms Woodhead added the centre also exists to “help young girls to develop their full potential and become people who will give back to society”.

“Our vision is the ripple effect that we see taking place: by forming strong girls, we are forming strong women and future mothers who will have an impact in society by their commitment to serve,” she said.

A picture from 2000 of an Eremeran working bee.

Helena Stoodley, a 21-year-old volunteer at Eremeran who previously attended as a student also said the study centre would help them reach more people without compromising its current atmosphere.

“It is my hope that the new centre will allow us all to (give back to young girls) … more completely by effectively overcoming the limitations in space and facilities that we currently face,” Ms Stoodley said.

If approved, the two existing buildings on the site would be demolished and the new facility would include accommodation for teachers on the second floor.

There would be a basement car park, with ten car spaces and four bicycle spaces.

The ground floor would feature study rooms, a meeting room, offices, a library, a kitchen and bathrooms as well as a multipurpose room. While the second storey would have nine bedrooms — each with ensuites, as well as sitting rooms and changing rooms.

The development application will be determined in the coming months by Hornsby Shire Council.