Grammar school plans $14m expansion

PLANS for a multi-million dollar science building at one of the state’s largest independent schools have been lodged with Moorabool Shire Council.

Bacchus Marsh Grammar last month revealed the proposal to construct two double-storey buildings with new crossovers as part of ongoing school upgrades.

New buildings would contain science laboratories, two amphitheatres, general classrooms, offices and a plant services room. According to planning estimates, the project is expected to cost around $14.5 million to complete.

The new science centre would replace the existing senior school classrooms, a staff resource centre and an outdoor basketball court.

“The redesign of the northern face of the proposed building involves removing the existing basketball court to allow for a more interactive and multipurpose space for the students,” a planning report revealed.

“This will also allow for a grand entrance into the proposed building.

“This is important due to the height difference along the northern face of the building in relation to the existing court.”

An architectural report also revealed plans to install a rooftop garden, outdoor seating and a revamp of the surrounding landscape.

“The design for this rooftop garden aims to marry with the style of the school, especially the existing and proposed landscape surrounding this building,” it read.

It comes a year after the school broke ground on its Woodlea campus in Aintree, boosting its capacity with a state-of-the-art library, science facility, student spaces and classrooms.

Maddingley, the school’s original campus, hosts prep to year 12 students. Earlier this year, the school unveiled a Southern Sports Precinct with new, multi-use courts accommodating a diverse range of activities including badminton, downball, tennis and netball.

The school also recently unveiled a new three-storey library and classroom building – nicknamed the Hive – made up of two libraries with multiple break-out areas.

Plans for the new science centre at Maddingley are available to be viewed on the council’s website.