While the focus of the new building was contemporary learning spaces, the overall master plan began with three key principles: improve access and connection, reduce building footprint, and re-orient the school.

With extensive street frontage on three sides, the orientation requirement was driven predominantly by safety. Without a clear entry and reception, students were often found wondering the school grounds, unsure of where to go. The first step was to identify the main approaches to the school. This then set the ideal location for a new administrative area, and the location of the first project.

Using the school’s preference for a grouping of years 7-9 and 10-12 with shared specialist facilities between, the master plan reduces the buildings from five down to three. A proposed future specialist wing will form the spine for the site, connecting the higher ground level at Elgar Road to the lower level. Cross circulation is located at either end of the buildings and on both levels, cutting through all three. Vehicular movement is shifted to the edges of the site and a central pedestrian path separates high activity sports areas from passive landscaping between the buildings.

Finally, a future gymnasium building will provide a space large enough for a whole-school assembly and an opportunity for rental to community groups.