For some time, the College Council has been considering the future of the Prince Alfred College Kent Town campus and its critical role in our vision to provide exceptional people, programs and facilities. It will bring with it adaptable new areas for learning, flexible and functional spaces that will evolve alongside education across this century, beautiful environments that allow for active play and learning, and a much-needed parking solution for our community.
We are fortunate with the space and facilities we already have that this work can be staged and undertaken without disruption to our teaching and learning, and co-curricular programs.
There are five stages in our Master Plan:
- The Preparatory School redevelopment
- The Prince Alfred College multi-level carpark
- A multi-purpose sports field between St Jacques and the Preparatory School Gym
- A Secondary School development – a new building on the current carpark location
- Secondary School refurbishments – staged upgrades within the current Secondary School buildings
No school can succeed without change. The College has evolved significantly since our first students commenced in 1869. The Prince Philip Theatre, RED Centre, ANZAC Hall, the purpose-built Boarding House and the Prof. J.P. Keeves Library have each played a role in making our College what it is today.
The experiences and learning outcomes of our boys were at the heart of our planning process. This included detailed consultation through leading architectural firm AJC and with those who know our boys best: parents, staff, Old Scholars and the students themselves. This was augmented by research undertaken in current best practice and how educational institutions and industry are preparing their spaces to be adaptable for future needs.
We are now ready to take the next important step to ensure our students continue to be successfully equipped for the years and decades ahead.
Plans have been submitted to the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council for Stage 1 of our Master Plan. The PAC Carpark (Stage 2) located on College-owned land between College Street and Little Young Street, has already received initial approval from Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council.
Stage 1 – Preparatory School Redevelopment
The buildings that currently make up our junior primary facilities have evolved in stages over many years and have served us well, but are nearing their end of life. Our new facilities will offer the best possible learning spaces for our boys and staff, providing functionality and flexibility to adapt to the teaching and learning needs now, and for future generations.
Our plans, developed with our architect and design partner Walter Brooke & Associates, include spaces that will engage and inspire our students to explore ideas, work together to solve problems, and dare to dream big. We are bold in our ambitions because we want the best for our boys at every stage of their journey through the College.
The Preparatory School redevelopment will include:
- Nine new purpose-built classrooms
- Multiple small and large break-out spaces
- A new visitor reception
- New areas for student support and wellbeing services
- A multi-purpose function space for students, staff and visitors
- Staff facilities and workspaces
- Active outdoor learning, play and social areas
The planned developments will be funded through College investment, debt and voluntary fundraising with the intention to commence Stage 1 in December 2024 and Stage 2 in 2025.
We are proud to share these plans with our community and we are optimistic about the future of Prince Alfred College.