Innovation Centre

A Connected Centre

The seven-storey Innovation Centre incorporates a range of dynamic, versatile learning spaces and studios, designed to enhance cross-curricular learning, further foster creative and critical thinking and inspire an entrepreneurial mindset.

The flexible design of the open collaboration spaces will engage K-12 students across all learning domains. It will also provide important connections, expanding the use of the Marian Centre, Centenary Hall and the Gymnasium.

The design was the subject of extensive consultation with local residents, parents and staff in 2017, and amendments were made to the original design in light of feedback received. Significant effort has been undertaken to retain the natural beauty of the area and views for Loreto Kirribilli’s neighbours and the broader community. As such, the Innovation Centre includes four levels of basement within the seven-storey building which will be lower in height than the adjacent street-facing building known as the Marian Centre.

The building will include beautifully landscaped surrounds with accessible walkways connecting the Innovation Centre with the School’s Front Drive, Junior School, Marian Centre and Centenary Hall.

Extended
Gymnasium

An extended and improved Gymnasium will provide more space and facilities for sports and fitness.

Workshops, studios
& exhibitions

Purpose-built workshops and digitally-advanced spaces will accommodate hands-on innovation and exhibitions.

Multipurpose, flexible
learning environments

Adaptable, open-plan environments will support collaborative, integrated learning.

Preview our Innovation Centre

Project Story

August 2020

After completion of the demolition and bulk excavation phases of our Innovation Centre project earlier in the year, and as the COVID-19 situation was unfolding, we decided to defer the building phase of the project. In April the large equipment and workers were demobilised from the site with the construction area left in a safe state.

After a detailed review of the risks and implementation of further controls, the Board and the Executive team have decided to restart the building phase which will commence with completing the detailed excavation in mid-November followed by the building phase. The next step is to re-establish the construction site and communicate specific timeframes, activities and arrangements for the latter part of 2020 and 2021

April 2020

Bulk excavation has recently been completed with a subsequent decision to postpone detailed excavation activities. These activities were originally planned to continue until mid-May 2020. As a result of this decision, the large equipment and workers have been demobilised from the site with the construction area left in a safe state until works recommence.

Further information will be provided prior to the recommencement of the detailed excavation and construction phase with timeframes continuing to be reviewed in alignment with the evolving COVID-19 situation. At this stage, we anticipate that works will remain on hold for three months and we will inform our community of any changes to this proposed timeframe. Further information will also be provided prior to the recommencement of any significant works, outlining the nature and duration of activities to be undertaken.

March 2020

The COVID-19 situation continues to unfold creating ongoing changes and challenges for our families, community, businesses and the broader economy. Given the ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19, the Loreto Kirribilli Board has decided to postpone the construction phase of the Innovation Centre.

Both bulk excavation and the ensuing detailed excavation activities are currently forecast for completion in mid-May 2020, dependent on weather conditions. At the conclusion of these activities the project will be postponed. Timeframes for the commencement of the construction phase will continue to be reviewed in alignment with the evolving COVID-19 situation.

February 2020

A significant milestone in the excavation works was reached with a blessing ceremony held on site on 14 February, signifying the preparation for the next stage of the project. 

The ceremony was led by Sr Yvonne Lamerand ibvm and attended by Principal, Mrs Anna Dickinson, Deputy Principal, Mr Daniel Mahon, other senior members of staff and the Student Executive.

January 2020

The bulk excavation works commenced in late 2019 and continued over the Christmas holidays. During the last weeks of the bulk excavation, we will be finalising preparations for the start of construction. We are looking forward to starting the next phase of our project and will formally announce the successful head contractor shortly.

Early Works Package 2019

During 2019 an early works package was undertaken in preparation for the start of excavation and construction.

In May 2019 temporary classrooms were installed onsite to provide additional learning spaces, and in the July school holidays the B-Block building, which will be the site of the Innovation Centre, was demolished.

Contact Us

A dedicated project team is available to answer questions about the Innovation Centre project via:

Further Information