Preparatory School Redevelopment
The foundation works are well underway with the majority of the building footings now installed. The concrete pour for the ground floor slab of the Administration building is also complete and features a special mix for the polished concrete flooring to the front Reception area. In the photo below you can see the footprint of our new Administration Building, with its distinctive entrance, taking shape.
In conjunction with the foundation works, install of the new underground services is progressing, including electrical, plumbing and stormwater drainage. Concrete footings have also been installed along the front of the site, adjacent Dequetteville Terrace, for the garden and acoustic wall; the two-story learning building; the first-floor covered walkway; and the circular stairs feature connecting the buildings. Towards the end of May, the first install of precast concrete wall panels will commence. These external panels feature high quality architectural finishes and forms to convey a sense of movement whilst also inviting abundant natural light into the classrooms.
We are delighted to have finished the first stage of the boulevard widening project. This phase stretches from the pedestrian entrance on Dequetteville Terrace to the end of the Ningana Building and handball courts. For those keen to see the building site in action, we have installed a large viewing window in the hoarding along the boulevard, opposite the Preparatory tennis courts. This wonderful boulevard will eventually extend to The Parade West to provide significant pedestrian connections between the ELC, Preparatory and Secondary School precincts.
In the first week of Term 2, a group of Year 10 students visited the Preparatory School construction site as part of their Gateway to Trade subject. The boys were hosted by Sam Pearse and Andrew Marshall (PAC 1985) from our construction partners, Marshall & Brougham, and PAC Project Manager, Building Developments, Mel Willington. The boys, who have career ambitions spanning electrical, carpentry, concreting, engineering and project management, learned about the construction works to date, and the many people and skillsets required on a build of this scale. They then walked through the site watching some of the services works being undertaken in what will soon be Reception classrooms. It was a unique opportunity for our students to hear about, and see first-hand some of the careers they may aspire to.
Interim Traffic Management Solution | The Stables Pick-Up Zone
Over the recent holiday break, works were completed to provide a second on-campus pick-up zone. The Stables pick-up zone is in addition to the current zone at The Leaf with entry via The Parade West onto Little Flinders Street. Pick-up is at the original stables building adjacent to St Jacques with exit onto Flinders Street. Whilst not a component of the Master Plan, we have listened to our parent community and identified an interim measure to help alleviate traffic congestion in and around the campus during the busy afternoon period. This interim solution will provide valuable learnings for the future planning of traffic management in and around the campus.
Giving Day | Save the Date
Thursday, 29 May
Save the date for Prince Alfred College’s inaugural Giving Day – a special one-day event that will bring our community together in support of the Preparatory School redevelopment. Alongside our fundraising efforts, there will be a vibrant program of activities on campus. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details through May.
We look forward to sharing further updates, relating to our Preparatory School Redevelopment and the College Master Plan in the coming months.
