Damascus senior building project is forging ahead

The first sod will soon be turned, as Damascus College forges ahead in delivering the college master plan, with the development of a new Senior Learning Precinct.

The Senior Learning Precinct will be a new contemporary three storey building designed to support and enhance the learning needs of Damascus senior students.

With vistas to our natural bush site, and to greater Ballarat and surrounds, the building will provide twenty-three well-appointed classrooms, student services, open independent learning areas and gathering spaces, as well as modern amenities catering for the broad needs of staff and students. Designed to reflect an adult learning space the new building positions Damascus students to engage in their future pathway.

Damascus has worked closely with Law Architects to develop this new and innovative addition to the campus, that is sympathetic to the unique bush setting of the site, and of the original works of the Sisters of Mercy.

An open feature internal staircase produces a light filled connection between the upper levels of the building, and the accompanying tiered seating, provides for lecture style addresses for students in preparing them for further education. The inclusion of an operable glass wall to the lower level, opens up an indoor-outdoor space for students, and creates a natural amphitheatre, increasing outdoor engagement opportunities for the College.

The inclusion of eco-friendly materials in the build, and an expansion to the college’s array of solar, helps highlight the continued focus for the college on sustainable operating practices, and continues the evolution of the Mount Clear site, since the consolidation of campuses.

This new facility will sit alongside the current Sacred Heart Building located at the back of campus, nestled in between the site of the former St Martin’s in the Pines boarding house. Adjoining the Genevieve McDonald Science wing and Building 7 via a raised walkway, the design will ensure a continued connection of the building to the rest of the campus.

Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud said that as part of our commitment to being a ‘future-focussed thinking’ college, this building provides a modern, innovative, and contemporary learning environment for the senior students at the College.

“In developing the holistic learner, the building is designed to encourage further capacity for independent study, collaborative working spaces, and additional areas for groups to gather in connecting our community,” he said.

“Being able to provide the best possible support to our students, in leading them towards their chosen future vocations, this new facility looks to bring together the key functions of careers guidance and VCE and VCE-VM coordination into a connected and collaborative student services precinct.”

Damascus College is excited to announce that AW Nicholson, has been awarded the building contract, and will commence works on site in the middle of September this year. AW Nicholson are a local company with a strong reputation for the delivery of high-quality large-scale projects.

AW Nicholson Director, Stephen Allen said that they are delighted to once again, partner with Damascus College and deliver this modern and contemporary senior learning building for the college, DOBCEL and Law Architects.

“The natural topography of the campus presents unique challenges in both design and construction and despite this, Law Architects have been able to achieve a design outcome which is sympathetic to the site. We look forward to successfully delivering this outcome for the students and the broader college community,” he said.

College Principal, Steven Mifsud said that in terms of timeline, the building will be brought online for use, in early 2025.

“Damascus is thrilled to work in partnership with AW Nicholson, a trusted local construction company that is family owned. We look forward to delivering this amazing building for our growing community to be their best.”