Developed as part of an extensive masterplan for the site, the Stage 2 works at St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead encompass a new administration & staff hub for the college with significantly improved street presence & forecourt space, as well as a refurbishment of several teaching spaces across the site. Stage 2 saw QOH provide a full range of architectural services in conjunction with landscape design by OHD, as well as contract administration services during construction.
The client brief for the project was to design a staff & administration hub that integrated seamlessly with the existing built infrastructure, enhancing the college’s inherent value & creating an iconic site presence to herald the expansion of the college to cater for years 7 to 12.
The new administration building stretches towards the Pacific Highway boundary, surrounded by landscaped forecourt and parking zones, providing an access & security upgrade. The building aims to create an intervention in the existing built landscape that enhances the functionality and educational outcomes across the whole site. The value of the existing central quad is recognised, with the tiered amphitheater creating focus & enhancing the interrelationships between new & existing facilities. This informal tiered learning space also connects to the Stage 1 café and hospitality facilities, encouraging a thriving hub for student, staff, and community engagement.
With offices in Sydney and Newcastle, Quinn O’Hanlon Architects Pty Ltd (trading as QOH Architects) can provide professional services of the highest standards to clients throughout Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter regions, as well as regional NSW
