Delivering Lasting Educational Impact
Stage 3 of St Michael’s College Primary Campus marks the culmination of a five-year redevelopment journey, with Sarah Constructions delivering significant upgrades and additions within a live, operational school environment.
This stage included the addition and refurbishment of eight general learning areas on the first floor, a new ground floor reception, and the construction of a new administration area and staff room. The project also delivered a new bridge linkway between buildings, chapel refurbishment, breakout and sensory spaces, and upgrades to external areas including landscaping, car parking, and a maintenance enclosure.
Project Highlights
The Sarah team maintained a strong client relationship built from previous stages, which proved instrumental in successfully navigating the complexities of the site. With a total gross floor area of 2,034m², the team worked within existing structures and tight program constraints to achieve high-quality results with minimal disruption to daily school operations.
Challenges and Solutions
- Chapel Redesign: Sarah led a collaborative value management process to reduce costs while maintaining design intent, including a complete mechanical redesign to suit budget and program requirements.
- Structural Integration: Leveraging detailed as-built surveys and a digital model, Sarah seamlessly integrated new structural steel with existing buildings, eliminating rework and program risk.
- Roof Removal Over Operational Area: The Level 1 build above Stage 1 required roof removal mid-winter. Sarah staged the works precisely, protecting internal finishes and ensuring zero disruption to school activities.
Client Outcomes
Through Early Contractor Involvement, Sarah provided early design input, cost certainty, and tailored staging to suit operational needs. Familiar site teams from earlier stages ensured continuity and deep knowledge of site conditions. Car park works were strategically completed over school holidays to minimise disruption, and Sarah accommodated early furniture, fixture and equipment installation to allow for immediate use after handover.
Innovation and Value Add
The project demonstrated the long-term benefits of forward-thinking construction. Structural elements installed during Stage 1 in 2020 were designed to support this expansion, allowing Sarah to deliver the Stage 3 upper level with minimal disruption. Other value-adds included late landscaping changes, upgraded pavement finishes, and the installation of two-tone concrete handball courts—all delivered without impacting program or budget.
The successful delivery of Stage 3 not only completes the vision for St Michael’s College Primary Campus but also reinforces the value of long-term collaboration and thoughtful planning. Sarah Constructions’ ability to deliver complex works in a live environment—on time and with minimal disruption—demonstrates the strength of our approach, our relationships, and our commitment to quality. This final stage brings the College’s five-year transformation to life, delivering modern, functional spaces that will serve staff, students, and the broader community for years to come.
