St Michael's Grammar School
2023
$9.28M
St Kilda, VIC
Project Details
1
791m
WINNER: 2024 - Victoria AIA Awards - Heritage Construction
WINNER: 2023 - Master Builders Association Victoria - Commercial Construction ($10M-$15M)
WINNER: 2023 - Learning Environments Australasia VIC/TAS - Modernisation Large
Attributes
Project Partners
Overview
The delicate transformation of a treasured 1870s asset into a Performing Arts Centre of commercial capability.
The award-winning redevelopment of St George’s Uniting Church repurposed the heritage-listed building for St Michael’s Grammar School (SMGS), creating dedicated facilities for music, drama and performing arts.
SMGS acquired the church in 2014 and utilised it as an assembly hall and theatre space. While this addition assisted their campus' space limitations, the building's internal layout, ventilation and lighting weren't suitable for modern production needs.
Higgins completely reworked the interior, introducing a centre stage flanked by seating to the north and south, a backstage extension to the east, and a tiered seating mezzanine section to the west. Beneath the mezzanine, we created a welcome foyer and plant/storage area. Notably, the space features a $1.5M audiovisual system - one of two theatre systems of its kind in Australia with the capacity to accommodate commercial theatre shows.
Working closely with Heritage Victoria and our specialist heritage consultant, we preserved many of the building's original features including a Lewis & Co. organ of 1881.
Externally, we delivered multiple enhancements to support the new precinct. This included the installation of a new substation across Chapel Street and prefabricated toilets/changerooms connected by new canopied walkways.
Heritage Preservation
The space celebrates original features such as the vaulted timber ceiling, brickwork, and stained-glass windows.
Heritage preservation works formed a large part of our scope. In close collaboration with our design consultants, Heritage Victoria, and a specialist heritage advisor, we balanced restoration with rejuvenation, ensuring we preserved St George's authenticity without resorting to mere replication.
- The Lewis & Co. Organ was removed, restored, and tuned by ear on-site. We faced unexpected challenges with the under-structure, requiring delicate restumping work beneath the organ.
- The restoration of the stained-glass windows is a luminous example of the artisanal quality of the project. We partnered with a specialist for the dismantling and repair, both on and off-site. This process was elaborate and time-consuming, with one window taking four months to repair.
- We relocated the Honour Board, an important historical artifact that commemorates the men of St George’s congregation who served in the First World War. The relocation involved intricate handling due to its size and attachment to the Narthax screen. We subtly modified the board and repurposed materials from the demolition to enhance its new setting.
- We salvaged materials from other areas of the building to repair and restore the dado rails on the north and south walkway. To address a shortfall, we repurposed timber from pews that matched the pattern and timber of the original rails, maintaining the heritage aesthetic.
Process
Our expertise in development, construction, and heritage management drove the success of this highly technical project.
Plan.
Approach & Value Adding
- Our approach strategically tackled known challenges, including the operational school, the high-traffic Chapel Street, and the single access point to the church. Through careful pre-planning for safe pedestrian access, traffic management, and site coordination, we ensured a smooth start to construction.
- Encouraging early collaboration, we held meetings with our subcontractors and design team to expedite the review and approval of shop drawings.
- The site's widest access point was the width of a set of double doors, which posed complications for bringing in large materials and machinery. To mitigate this, our team reviewed each item before its arrival on-site, proactively addressing any elements that required redesign to ensure they would fit.
Drive.
Key Challenges
- The process of neatly concealing all mechanical ductwork under the floor and tiered seating was complex to execute. During this phase, we maintained mechanical plant acoustic measures, preserved access for servicing, and met extensive safety requirements. Our stringent coordination allowed the heritage timber ceiling to remain unobstructed in the final outcome.
- Supply chain issues caused by the post Covid-19 construction boom constantly disrupted our program, particularly equipment sourced from overseas. This required continuous adaptability and forward planning from our team.
- Managing trade activities within the highly constrained site demanded precision and strict control to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of our workers, especially in coordinating the delivery schedule.
- The many resolutions achieved throughout this contract were
driven by a united approach to problem-solving and a highly collaborative relationship between the client, superintendent, architect, and builder.
Deliver.
Project Outcomes
- We repurposed an outdated and non-compliant structure so it could continue to be enjoyed by its occupants.
- We restored many heritage components to uphold the historical significance of St George's Church, maintaining its connection to the St Kilda community.
- This project was highly praised by Heritage Victoria and the quality design and construction has been recognised through multiple industry awards.
- The $1.5M audio-visual system is one of two of its kind in Australia, giving SMGS the capacity to accommodate commercial theatre shows.
- A new stormwater system and pumping stations have improved the building's water resistance.
- Exterior enhancements include strategic lighting, a new plant enclosure for acoustic control, and expanded entrance gates.