PROJECT BACKGROUND
Established in 1874, Toorak College relocated to its current site on the Mornington Peninsula in 1928 and has maintained a proud legacy of student education and holistic development. The school offered co-educational Early Learning and Junior School education until Year 4, transitioning to a girls-only cohort from Years 5 to 12.
In alignment with its vision to develop aspiring young people with confidence and character, Toorak College undertook the development of a new Community and Arts Precinct. This significant project was completed in time to mark the College’s 150th anniversary in 2024.
The Community and Arts Precinct featured a state-of-the-art theatre equipped with advanced acoustics, flexible seating configurations, and full theatrical wings to accommodate a variety of performance types. The facility also included multi-purpose classrooms, function and exam spaces, a large entry foyer that celebrated the school’s rich history, and a fully equipped kitchen to support events and functions.
The theatre, known as the Mary Herring Theatre, became one of the most extensive performance facilities on the Mornington Peninsula, designed to inspire students’ creativity and serve as a versatile space for community events, conferences, and training.
Key architectural and structural features included an 800-seat auditorium with 384 retractable seats, 229 fixed seats, and 145 loose seats, totaling 758 seats. The design incorporated 12-meter-high precast perimeter walls for sound insulation and structural strength, as well as a unique ceiling design with suspended aluminum rods and a façade screen.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Gallagher Jeffs was engaged for full project management services across all project phases. This includes consultant appointment, briefing, concept design, schematic design, design development, tender procurement, contract negotiations and head contractor management.