ARM engaged to design Melbourne school masterplan

ARM Architecture has won a competitive tender process to develop a masterplan for a major capital works project at De La Salle College in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern.

The competitive tender process was conducted by the college itself, a Catholic Boys school that provides education to years 5-12 students, in consultation with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MCAS). The brief outlined a need to revitalise and add new facilities to the existing campuses occupied by the school - Tiverton and Kinnoull - to meet anticipated student growth.

The project will be the single largest capital works project carried out by the college in almost half a century. A key feature of the masterplan will be a new performing arts centre on the college's Tiverton campus. The overarching masterplan will also accommodate additional educational facilities, alongside renovated existing buildings.

ARM director Jesse Judd said school projects play an important role in enriching students' educational experience, as well as help shape the futures of young people.

"We are genuinely excited to be working with the college to create a masterplan that addresses current needs and anticipates future growth," he said. "Our commitment is that the masterplan and identified projects not only meet educational and functional needs but also reflect and enhance De La Salle's unique Catholic identity, supporting lifelong learning, faith and community involvement."

The first phase of the project will involve the development of a masterplan for all three school campuses, followed by the design and implementation stages. The masterplan process is due to be complete before the end of 2024.