Brendan Simpkins

ST COLUMBA College have released plans for its planned middle school campus development as the school seeks approval from Playford Council.

Principal Leanne Carr provided an update for the Andrews Farm school community last Friday that outlined plans for a new two-storey building for the campus.

It will be built on the site of the current carpark and will link to the existing building, which houses the school’s lecture theatre and art and science rooms, as well as the auditorium.

Adelaide-based architect Swanbury Penglase was engaged last August to produce the plans.

Swanbury Penglase worked alongside students, staff and the school council, which provided input.

The new building will feature classrooms for the Year 8 and 9 cohorts, as well a new student services area and two maker education spaces.

St Columba’s program for students with additional needs, known as Iona, will enjoy an expanded learning centre in the new building.

Changes will be made to the existing building with additional spaces in the music department on the second floor and two Indonesian rooms to be on the ground floor.

The lecture theatre will be converted into a performing arts space for drama lessons and recitals but will also be used for lecture presentations and assemblies.

An additional drama room will be developed next to the canteen.

Construction of the new building will result in a change to St Columba’s campus layout, with the uniform shop shifting from its location on the western side to the east side of the soccer oval.

A small carpark will also be built in the area, with an exit and entrance from Crittenden Road.

The staff and visitor carpark will shift to the western side of the campus and will have the same amount of parking spaces as now.

Pick-up and drop-off zones will be constructed outside the middle and senior school campuses.

Development is expected to begin next January if development approval is granted.