Rohrig unlocks educational excellence at Gregory Terrace

Rohrig Constructions has delivered a remarkable transformation at St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, where a former Salvation Army residence has been reborn as Margaret Rice Place, a six-level primary precinct named in honour of Margaret Rice, mother of Christian Brothers founder Blessed Edmund Rice.

This significant $20+ million adaptive reuse project, delivered by the Rohrig Team over 51 weeks, addresses the spatial constraints of the existing campus by seamlessly expanding St Joseph’s College into an adjacent building, creating modern learning environments to support its growing student population

The ambitious vision for Margaret Rice Place was designed by architect Macksey Rush Architects, and project managed by Hopscotch Projects, and superintended by Steel Wrobel who all worked closely with the Rohrig Team.

“Macksey Rush Architects was briefed to deliver a new primary precinct for the youngest gentlemen of Terrace.

In creating Margaret Rice Place, the team designed a thoughtful and responsive vertical school that meets the needs of its young learners within the character of an existing urban building.

Despite a complex site and ambitious timeline, Rohrig delivered with confidence. Their education expertise and consistently solutions-focused approach made it a pleasure to collaborate with them,” said Sarah Rush of Macksey Rush Architects.

Inside, Margaret Rice Place is designed to inspire and educate, boasting 14 new classrooms, specialty learning spaces, a contemporary library, reception, and a canteen. The design features a premium finish, from stylish timber window and door frames to a unique curved bulkhead ceiling that creates a sense of flow throughout each level. To assist students in navigating the expansive building, each of the six levels is finished in a distinct colour theme adding a vibrant and practical design element.

The project also involved external renewal works, including a new roof and windows, and a six-level internal stair and circulation structure, complete with additional lifts to manage student movement efficiently. Works were completed with the construction of a new link bridge, connecting Margaret Rice Place with the existing Waterford Place building, integrating the junior school facility within the broader campus.

“This project was one of the largest fit-outs we’ve undertaken, with complex elements like the external stairs, low roof height and limited site access, but our team’s ingenuity and expert craftsmanship allowed for an outstanding end result,” said Rohrig Construction Manager, Steve Hastie.

“Transforming a building designed for living into one suited for learning requires a carefully considered execution, bringing the future-focused project to life.”

Managing the logistics and construction on a tight-access site, surrounded by three other schools, demanded careful programming, but our team was committed to delivering this exceptional facility with minimal impact on the community. Our team ensured noise levels were managed, safety maintained at all times and limited vehicle movements, allowing the schools to operate as usual.

The completion of Margaret Rice Place provides St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace with an incredible, purpose-built facility that promises to offer a first-class educational experience for the next generation of leaders.