The Future of Learning

A century after it was built works to upgrade the MSB Centre began in July 2022. The MSB Centre has looked over the valley from the top of Hull Rd since 1927 and has had a significant cultural and aesthetic impact on the surrounding area. The current refurbishment program seeks to retain the heritage of this much-loved Federation Free Classical style building whilst upgrading it to meet current building codes and the learning needs of our students now and into the future.

The project commenced in 2019 with a lengthy process of assessments to determine the safety of the current building. A working group investigated the current needs of the College and explored modern learning spaces that foster innovation and the collaborative learning modes that are the future of education. TKD Architects have created a design that balances the preservation of the important heritage of the building whilst providing these much-needed new facilities.  In its upgraded form, the MSB Centre will provide a range of new learning spaces including:

·         11 new classrooms

·         Multipurpose spaces with modern audio-visual learning aids

·         Flexible resource spaces

·         Large learning spaces capable of accommodating up to 50 students at a time

In addition to the new learning spaces, the MSB Centre will also become the new administration block for the school providing front of house, reception and office space for the teaching staff.  In much the same way that education has evolved and requires new spaces to suit contemporary modes of learning, our workplaces have become significantly more collaborative.  The new office spaces will provide a modern workplace for the school staff to collaborate and work together to improve the learning outcomes of our students.

Many of the original features of the building such as the narrow staircases, double doors and small rooms do not meet current safety requirements. To ensure the safety of our school community, these key building code deficiencies will be addressed through widening of doorways and removing some internal walls and partitions in the scholastica area. A large contemporary eternal stairwell will be built on the blue gum forest end of the building. The new stairwell is the full four storey height of the building and will draw light into all floors, increasing the physical amenity of the space. This will also allow safe and free access through all four levels of the building and link the MSB Centre with the rest of campus via the Hildegard Roof.

The internal refurbishment will see significant opening of the floorplan, with numerous internal walls being removed and creating greater flexibility in the use of the space.  Large multipurpose spaces maximise the space to offer our students the highest quality learning opportunities.

Key heritage features such as trims and mouldings will be preserved, where it is not possible to retain heritage items (such as some of the double doors which do not meet current building codes), these items will be carefully removed and stored to protect them and to preserve the architectural history of the school.

To ensure that the new design is sympathetic with the college campus and the existing building, external finishes are terracotta and in a consistent colour palette with both heritage and new buildings.  To complete the project, new pathways and landscaping will ensure the building sits in sympathy with the surrounds and the building will link with the rest of Campus via the Hildegard Roof.

100 years of Benedictine heritage is visible in this balance of old and new and we look forward to the teaching and learning opportunities the new spaces will open up to our students.