The St Patrick’s College Performing Arts Centre represents a once-in-a-generation transformation project for the school. The college has been an important school for the people of Ballarat and regional Victoria for over 120 years. Underpinned by extensive planning and engagement, the centrepiece of the project is much-needed space for assembly, multi-purpose activities, music and drama on campus.

The addition of the Performing Arts Centre creates an important community space within the school. The 800-seat auditorium with retractable seating can host a range of events - from school assemblies, music/drama performances to community events. In addition, the black box rehearsal studio is a flexible space with the opportunity for practice or small-scale drama performances. A series of rehearsal studios and purpose-built areas for performing arts, music and drama and staff spaces support the main space.

The Performing Arts Centre is located adjacent to the formal gardens along Sturt Street. The building complements the primary frontage and helps relocate a new campus forecourt and entry. Appreciating the adjacent heritage buildings, the performing arts centre reflects a design that is contemporary, but integrated with the campus context through careful contemplation of scale, rhythm and materiality. Windows reveal specific views to campus landscapes.

An energy efficient external envelope has been developed with high-performance glass, sunshade devices, minimization of thermal bridging, and a continuous air-tightness membrane. The ensemble room creates a highly active and engaging elevation to Wanliss Road and passers-by. Low level glazing around the perimeter offers natural light and oblique views which rewards curiosity. Large sliding doors to the northern forecourt facilitate outdoor concerts in the landscape.