A Vision for Growth: Notre Dame College’s Next Chapter
Notre Dame College, the newest Brisbane Catholic Education Prep to Year 12 College on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in January 2025 with the completion of the first stage of its master plan. As the College continues to grow, COX has been engaged to build upon the master plan to meet their evolving needs as well as design and deliver the next stage of facilities.
The original master plan provided the foundation for the College’s initial development. COX have been working in collaboration with the school’s leadership team to align the master plan with the College’s future aspirations and strategic plan.
Proposed Master Plan Stages of Notre Dame College
Significant updates to the master plan include a centralised library, a new performing arts centre, age-specific play areas, and consolidation of built form to maximise outdoor learning and green spaces. The design prioritises connectivity and the relationship between learning and social spaces, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening community ties. The master plan seeks to enhance the existing ‘Notre Dame Way,’ a symbolic spine through the middle of the campus representing a student’s journey, with markers reflecting the College’s five core virtues: Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and In the Way of Mary.
Public, Privileged, and Private Spaces
The updated master plan also integrates shared community spaces, using the concept of public, privileged, and private zones to allow local group’s access to the College’s facilities outside of school times while ensuring security and access control in specific zones.
Delivered in five stages, Stage 2 of the master plan will include the new library, a hospitality centre for senior students, specialised science labs and design technology workshops, general learning areas, an expanded Prep precinct and additional staff workspaces. This phased approach ensures that new facilities are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, providing the school with the spaces it needs as it grows.
Notre Dame College believes education extends beyond individual learning through to community participation. The updated master plan reflects this ethos, creating spaces that nurture inclusivity and connection for the emerging community of Aura, while strengthening its role as a place of learning and belonging for generations to come.