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St Aloysius College Builds Vertical Primary School in Adelaide CBD
Redevelopment of the girls' school site moves into active construction phase with completion targeted for late 2026.
How we reported this
Construction has started on a four-storey primary school building at St Aloysius College in the Adelaide CBD, marking the largest single project at the site in the institution's 145-year history.
The work follows demolition of an existing structure late last year and will deliver a vertical primary facility designed specifically for younger students on the current campus footprint. This timing aligns with sustained enrolment growth in the early years and primary sections, requiring expanded space within the tight urban block.
Design shaped by student input and city views
The new structure will feature 22 classrooms spread across four levels along with a 25-metre swimming pool and dedicated zones for music, makerspace activities and sensory support. Learning neighbourhoods and breakout areas are included to allow flexible use of space. A rooftop play area is planned to overlook St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, keeping the city centre setting central to daily student life.
Students participated in design workshops with the architects, ensuring the layout supports varied learning styles and accessibility needs. The building will be named for Sister Teresa Dunlevie, who led the college from 1918 to 1944.
Next steps centre on integration and capacity growth
With more than 1,100 students currently enrolled from Reception to Year 12, the project is intended to lift capacity for the early learning to Year 6 cohort. Builders Schiavello and project managers RCP Australia are on site, working to the second-half 2026 completion date.
School leadership now faces decisions on sequencing the move into the new facilities, managing any interim arrangements for primary classes during the final build stages, and planning how the expanded primary spaces will connect with the existing secondary campus. A flythrough of the design is available on the school website for families tracking progress.
Further updates on construction milestones are expected from St Aloysius College as work continues through the remainder of 2026. Source: The Southern Cross, 21 March 2025.