The iconic Our Lady of Sion convent and school campus site in Sale is set to be revitalised after plans were approved for a $40 million investment in one of the largest education projects ever undertaken in the Diocese of Sale.
The announcement follows more than four years of consultation and master planning for the site as the Diocese of Sale and Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) worked with the community and heritage experts on plans to restore the heritage listed buildings and rejuvenate the entire site for 21st century education use.
The $40 million redevelopment will deliver three distinct projects and create a state-of-the-art education precinct. The projects include:
– A complex restoration and preservation of the heritage listed convent building
– Construction of a purpose-built primary school facility
– Incorporation of a separate education professional learning and leadership development centre to be known as the Ratisbonne Leadership Centre
The preservation and revitalisation of this much-loved Sale landmark has been recognised as a good heritage outcome that acknowledges the history and enhances the significance of the place.
The Heritage Impact Statement makes note of this positive impact through ‘the removal of unsympathetic elements, the reactivation of the heritage site through adaptive re-use and the forthcoming conservation works.’
St Thomas’ Primary School, Sale will move into a state-of-the art primary school facility on the site and will be re-named Our Lady of Sion Catholic Primary School to honour the rich history of the Sisters of Sion.
“This new building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a commitment to nurturing minds and shaping futures,” St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School principal, Jodie Ware said.
“This state-of-the-art building project represents a vision for the future. It will provide modern, safe, and inspiring spaces for staff and students to grow and thrive.”
A strong link to St Thomas’ will be maintained with a $12.5 million purpose-built Learning Neighbourhood to be known as the St Thomas’ Centre.
The new building has been made possible with the support of a $3.6 million Capital Grant from the Australian Government.
The first two floors of the Sion convent building will be repurposed for contemporary primary education use for years four to six and will include connected classrooms, along with STEM, library, art, multimedia, administration and office spaces.
The beautiful convent chapel will be an inspirational and prayerful space for students.
The Ratisbonne Leadership Centre will occupy the top floor of the convent building which will be refurbished and re-purposed as a specialised facility to deliver teacher and school leader professional learning programs to support Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale.
With independent access and carparking, it will support DOSCEL’s efforts to promote expert teacher practice and deliver teaching and learning excellence.
“The preservation and revitalisation of this much-loved Sale landmark not only protects our heritage, but as custodians of the site we have been given the opportunity to create a beautiful new place of learning for our young people that will enable them to grow in their love of Jesus in an enriching environment,” Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet said.
“This learning environment is deeply connected to our mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.”
This exciting project is being led by Monto Project Managers, with Y2 Architecture as the lead Architects.
“St Thomas’ Primary School was established by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion more than 50 years ago so this in many ways is a return to its spiritual roots,” Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Paul Velton said.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity to honour the past and invest in this new state-of-the-art school building for our students and ensure Catholic education continues to thrive on this site for another 125 years.”
Melbcon Builders are on-site, laying the groundwork for construction to begin, with a planned completion in early 2027.
