Kincoppal-Rose Bay School
- Description Hughes Centre refurbishment
- Location Vaucluse
- Sector Learning
- Sub-Sector Education, Specialist Learning
- Specialties Fitout, Live Environment, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
- Delivery Method Design and Construct
- Client Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart
- Architect *Need to check with client*
- Photographer Modified Photography
- Videographer Modified Photography
The Hughes Centre redevelopment marks the first major step in Kincoppal–Rose Bay’s (KBR) 2025 Master Plan, strengthening the school’s commitment to delivering world‑class learning environments grounded in Sacred Heart values. As a school with more than 140 years of history, KRB continues to balance tradition with innovation. The new Performing Arts Centre enhances opportunities for students to build confidence, resilience and collaboration through music, drama and creative expression, supporting both current learning needs and the school’s long‑term vision.
Delivering the project within the heart of an active Senior School campus required careful planning and communication. The Hughes Centre sits along a main student circulation route, meaning all deliveries, material movements and structural works had to be coordinated around school operations. The construction team worked closely with KRB to maintain safe access, minimise disruption and ensure teaching continued uninterrupted. Key challenges included importing 12‑metre beams through a live school environment and installing 5‑metre‑high operable walls through limited access points, which was achieved through staged works, temporary openings and precise sequencing.
The redevelopment introduces a contemporary suite of performing arts and learning spaces. The former mezzanine has been enclosed with a new acoustic wall to create a boutique cinema theatre, supported by new staff offices and a dedicated instrument storage facility. The existing single-story auditorium has been transformed into three flexible general learning areas into two-storeys, divided by operable acoustic walls that allow the space to function as individual classrooms or open into a large performance hall. Sculpt‑angle acoustic ceiling tiles, foldable retractable seating, and improved circulation enhance both functionality and comfort.
The project scope also included extensive services upgrades, interior refurbishment, roofing works and repairs to tiered seating, carpets, balustrades and external finishes. Together, these works deliver a state‑of‑the‑art Performing Arts Centre that enriches student experience and supports KRB’s commitment to excellence today and into the future. Following the success of this upgrade, Grindley was engaged to create a prototype Junior School classroom for the next part of the Master Plan. The refurbishment involved demolition, new glazing, expanded teaching space, upgraded windows for improved natural light, bespoke joinery, a timber acoustic ceiling, new wall linings and a practical activity zone. Services were reconfigured and installed, with materials and acoustic treatments matched to the Hughes Centre to ensure consistency across the evolving campus.
Opening Ceremony
Officially opened by KRB ex-student Daisy Turnbull, representing the Hughes family, the event honoured both tradition and innovation. As part of the reopening celebrations, the inaugural Vibe Solo Instrumental Music Competition showcased the extraordinary talents of students from Years 7–9, with performances on piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and flute.