PLANS for an extensive building program at St Brigid’s Primary School were outlined in a development application to Council, this week.
Anticipating a growth in student and staff numbers, Brisbane Catholic Education are hoping to gain a permit to construct new classrooms and facilities at the school bordering Railway and Matthew Streets in Rosewood.
“The proposed development will [cater] for the continued expansion of the school in line with expected population growth and growth in enrolments,” town planning agents for Brisbane Catholic Education noted in the application.
If Council gives the go ahead for the expansion of the school, the redevelopment will occur in four stages, with the first stages planned in 2026 and 2027 and the remaining works undertaken as increasing student numbers trigger the need.
The school student population is currently around the 200 mark, which is expected to increase by 30 next year, while staff numbers are expected to increase by three to 33.
The first stages in the expansion, Stage 1A and 1B, involve the construction of a new administration building which will include general learning areas and a multi-purpose room. A new temporary library will also be built and the Prep classroom building will be refurbished.
Upgrades to Railway Street are also planned for Stage 1A of the program. Plans include the widening of the street outside the school, upgrading the entry point from the street and the construction of a concrete footpath.
New internal footpaths and landscaping are also part of this stage.
Works outlined for Stage 1B take in a new Prep play area, increasing the carparking spaces by 10 and a new bicycle area.
The Block A building will also be demolished.
Stage 2 of the building program, expected to begin in 2027, is proposed to take in the construction of two new classroom buildings and a new toilet block.
Buildings known as Block D and T would be demolished along with footpaths. The construction of new footpaths and more landscaping will also be part of Stage 2.
The final stage of the building program will begin when the student population is anticipated to increase to 595 and staff numbers to 51.
That stage involves the:
• Relocation of the St. Brigid’s Church and Bell Tower
• Demolition of Blocks S and B;
• Demolition of the canteen in Block C;
• Construction of a new Block J (floor area of 744m2);
• Construction of a new Block F (floor area of 457m2);
• An extension of Block H (sports hall);
• Refurbishment of the temporary library building into learning areas;
• An additional 34 car parking spaces;
A new vehicle access onto Matthew Street and a widening of that street in front of the school will also be undertaken during this stage.
A detention basin to cater for stormwater is timed to be constructed during the first stage of the building program and expanded during the final stage.
Council planners are currently assessing the application.