North Melbourne Primary School, Stage 1

This project is the first of 2 stages of implementation of a Master Plan for North Melbourne Primary School’s upgrade. Program comprises a new GPC, Library and Staff/Administration building; remodeling of the east and central wings of an existing 1874 heritage building for GPCs, Art, Music and ancillary uses; relocatable GPC cluster; staff parking lot; and associated site and landscape works. Stage 2, now under construction, will comprise a new gymnasium and After School Care building; remodeling of the remaining west wing of the heritage building and associated external works.

With a current enrolment of 460 students on a 1.54 hectare site, open space is at a premium. The new buildings are therefore deployed on the site to preserve and enhance the open space to the north of the heritage building, forming (when Stage 2 is complete) a U-shaped enclosure around the hardstand play area.

In its remodeled form the 1874 heritage building has been returned to its floor plan, excepting some cross-wall openings made to achieve entitlement floor areas. The new building is long and narrow, with a single loaded circulation space to minimize its encroachment onto the hardstand.

Photography – John Gollings