St Peters Anglican College Broulee proposes $970,000 chapel as part of major, ongoing expansion

A major South Coast private school has unveiled plans for a $970k outdoor chapel and hall as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet booming enrolments.

Artist impression of the proposed St Peters Anglican College chapel. Picture: Supplied

A major South Coast private school has unveiled plans for a $970,000 outdoor chapel and hall as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet booming enrolments.

St Peters Anglican College in Broulee, just south of Batemans Bay, has been rapidly growing, with its latest approved development — a gym and recording studios worth more than $30m — which is already under construction.

Other additions, like a commercial-grade kitchen, have been completed and are in use by students.

Principal Darren McPartland, a former Perth golf club manager, said the proposed outdoor hall and chapel would be the next major project for the K-12 school of 850 students.

The $970,000 proposal is part of a broader effort to accommodate booming enrolments.

St Peter's Anglican College Principal, Darren McPartland. Picture: Tom McGann.

Mr McPartland said the expansion was part of the long-term vision he brought to the role in 2018.

“When you have a house with three kids, you would have three rooms, but then you have a house with seven kids, you would have seven rooms,” he said.

The proposed chapel has a price tag of $970k. Picture: Supplied

“You need to grow with the cohort.”

He said the school’s growth also created more opportunities to connect with the broader community.

“I have kids and I love seeing them outside on weekends doing things,” he said.

“So, being in a community like this, I think it’s so important to have spots where kids, parents, adults, whoever, can come and throw the basketball around, run around and know that it’s not just exclusive to the students.”

St Peters Anglican College, Broulee. Picture: Supplied

The chapel plans, now on public exhibition via Eurobodalla Council’s website, promises a “new and engaging” outdoor learning space.

“The proposal achieves a positive benefit to the local area and has merit,” planning documents state.

If approved, the open-air chapel will be built at the southern end of the campus and include an altar, stage, seating, roof cover and traditional bell.

Mr McPartland said the additions would enhance the school for students and the community.

“We’re also looking at putting in new carparks and a safer bus bay,” he said.

The proposal remains open for public feedback.

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