St Vincent’s College, Darlinghurst: Renovation plans lodged with City of Sydney

A proposed multimillion-dollar expansion of private inner-city girls high school has been officially lodged, with planners working to quell fears around diminished harbour views and privacy concerns.

Artists impressions of renovation plans for St Vincents School, Darlinghurst. Picture: City of Sydney.

A proposed multimillion-dollar expansion of private inner-city girls high school St Vincent’s College has been officially lodged, with planners working to quell fears around diminished harbour views and loss of privacy for neighbouring properties.

The long-planned upgrade to the campus at Darlinghurst was recently submitted to the City of Sydney, following consultation with community groups and council.

Now, new images of the proposed renovations, set to include a communal green roof and tennis court, have been unveiled during the exhibition period.

The school; the oldest registered girls institution in Australia, unveiled a draft masterplan in 2022 outlining its vision to upgrade its sports facilities and maximise use of available space for communal student activities like school assemblies.

The school is home to several heritage buildings which have significant development restrictions, including the Garcia Building, meaning there are limited options for expansion.

Artists impressions of the plans.

Artists impressions of the plans.

Artists impressions of the plans.

Plans for a new multipurpose two to three storey hall and sports building at the corner of Challis Ave and Victoria St is set to accommodate 1000 people, along with a larger indoor pool and new water polo pool facility, as well as new music learning rooms.

An outdoor garden and outdoor communal “green roof” space will be built on the new building, the masterplan states.

Architectural drawings submitted. Picture: City of Sydney.

Documents submitted by planning consultants SEC Newgate state as a result of the proposed construction occurring in one of Sydney’s most densely populated suburbs, unique planning and construction challenges are presented which concern nearby businesses and residents.

The consultants – retained by the school to manage consultation – undertook workshops across the year to engage with residents, businesses and community groups.

An artist impression of the vision for the school outlined in the school’s masterplan.

The school were requested to allow year-round public access to facilities “as a dividend to the community” in response to the plans, however SEC Newgate said the school had concluded this couldn’t take place “due to significant budgetary impacts and safety for the boarding student population”.

Concerns, including around loss of privacy due to increased building height and the impact of construction at the high density site, were addressed in the report.

A heritage assessment noted St Vincent’s College was listed as a local heritage item and within the Potts Point heritage conservation area, but was not listed on the NSW heritage register.

The development application will be assessed by the City of Sydney after the exhibition period closes on November 2.