Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta’s $28m makeover
A Parramatta school steeped in history concedes it is prepared for public backlash over plans to demolish part of a heritage building under its masterplan for a contemporary $28 million makeover.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Catholics scrap rituals for coronavirus
- North Parra McDonald’s site to transform
- Royal Oak closes its doors
- Premier deflects questions about Willow Grove
The 130-year-old Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta concedes it is prepared for public backlash over plans to demolish part of a heritage building under its masterplan to give the high school a contemporary $28 million makeover.
The school is confident plans, part of its 2018-2028 masterplan, will proceed, believing it is vital to accommodate students.
Under plans, the northern part of the heritage-listed 82-year-old Brigid Shelly building will be demolished and replaced with a four-storey block.
The building, which faces Ross St, will have learning areas, a rooftop terrace and landscaping.
The plans were lodged with Parramatta Council in December and are now being assessed by the Sydney Central Planning Panel.
Acting principal Marie Wood said the project was vital for more than 1000 students.
Mrs Wood conceded the school was prepared for backlash but defended the overhaul.
“We are prepared for that because we have the conviction it’s the right thing to do,’’ she said.
“As a dynamic community, we’re evolving with the needs for our students.
“What’s changing is they’re going to experience a more contemporary environment.
“Our intention is to make this site the best it can be to support our students.”
She said the project was vital because of challenges accessing the current Brigid Shelly building, which only made it useful for storage.
A suspended walkway linking students from the Brigid Shelly building to the opposite side of the school is also part of the project.
Mrs Wood said the school’s chapel would remain and the heritage was the focus of its consultations with Mayoh Architects.
The Brigid Shelly building is expected to be demolished in January.
Other changes for the school include the demolition of the administration building in 2024.
In the same year, the Martha O’Sullivan building will be demolished to construct a creative and performing arts building.
The public is invited to a public information session at OLMC’s Ailsa Mackinnon Community Centre on Wednesday, February 19 at 6pm.