Aquinas College reveals plans to build $25 million state-of-the-art recital hall and music centre

A prestigious boys’ school has revealed plans for a $25 million state-of-the-art recital hall and music centre. The mammoth development by Encon Project Management proposes a 650-seat recital hall and music centre with offices, tutorial rooms and practice rooms near the entrance of Aquinas College to create a “confident and modern entry statement” to the school. The project also includes a new hockey building with a lounge, uniform shop and kitchen and a “university centre” for students to speak with universities and TAFEs. The existing tennis courts would be relocated and replaced with 12 new tennis courts, while the school’s northern carpark would be reconfigured to create two more car bays. State planners will vote on the project at a meeting on October 10. The development application was lodged in August after the original application was cancelled by the applicant in 2022. “Aquinas College is proposing the development of a new recital hall, music centre, hockey club and classroom ... this significant initiative will establish a new arts precinct on the campus, marking one of the most substantial developments in the past 40 years,” a report from architect Christou Design Group said. “The addition of these four new buildings at the front of the campus is designed to create a prominent entry statement that reflects the school’s values and pedagogy while enhancing the arrival experience. “The proposed buildings ... are intended to provide a new platform for teaching and learning and foster community engagement with affiliated sporting clubs, parents and alumni. “The design aims to create a confident and modern entry statement for the school, with a focus on achieving a timeless aesthetic for the next 50-plus years.”