“This building is a testament to the passion, persistence and power of arts education at our College. Music, Drama, Dance, Media and Visual Arts have an extraordinary ability to engage, challenge and transform young people.”
The Lakes College is proud to celebrate the official opening of our new Performing Arts Precinct and Strength & Conditioning Gym, a significant milestone in the continued growth and enrichment of our Prep to Year 12 learning environment.
This exciting development forms Stage 2 of the College’s Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), transforming the undercroft into a vibrant, purpose-built precinct designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and wellbeing.
This project represents the realisation of a long-held dream, one nurtured by a community that has invested in the arts for over 21 years.
As shared by our Principal, Nicole Gregory, during the opening:
From humble beginnings, where staff and tutors created opportunities for students in any available space, the College now offers a dedicated home for the arts, one that honours the past while creating exciting opportunities for the future.
At the heart of the development is a dynamic Performing Arts hub, featuring:
-
Music Classroom – A dedicated space for nurturing musical talent and fostering creative expression
-
Seven Music Tutor Rooms – Designed for personalised instruction and skill development
-
Band Room – A collaborative environment for ensemble rehearsals
-
Recording Studio – A professional-quality facility connected to rehearsal spaces, enabling students to explore recording and production
-
Dance and Drama Studio – A versatile space for classroom learning and performances, with the ability to expand into a larger venue
Importantly, this precinct has been shaped by the voices of our students and staff. Students expressed a desire for spaces that felt like home - places to create, collaborate and share their work, while educators envisioned environments where creativity could flourish and be shared with the wider community.
As our Director of Performing Arts shared:
“Our new Performing Arts Precinct is more than just a building, it’s a space where creativity will thrive, confidence will grow, and every student will have the opportunity to find their voice. We are incredibly excited to open the doors and see our community come to life through the arts.”
Complementing the creative precinct is our new Strength and Conditioning Gym, designed to enhance our Secondary HPE curriculum as well as our Athletics and Swimming programs. This purpose-built facility promotes a culture of health, fitness and high performance, supporting students in achieving their personal best.
Our students are already embracing the new spaces, sharing their excitement about the opportunities ahead:
“I love the space - it’s a new creative area for everyone to enjoy. The old space was so cramped, and now we can all come together and collaborate. My favourite space is the orchestra room - it’s great for everyone to connect.”
Every element of this development has been thoughtfully designed to align with The Lakes College’s educational vision, providing diverse opportunities for growth, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the holistic development of every student.
The opening of the Performing Arts Precinct and Gym marks an exciting new chapter for our College community. We look forward to seeing these spaces come alive with creativity, energy and connection for many years to come.
“It’s a huge step up from the previous Performing Arts space. The foyer will be great for chatting and hanging out - a space to get away from academics. And you can record in every room.”
This development is more than a new facility, it is a reflection of who we are as a College. A community that values creativity, connection and character.
As we opened the precinct, we also launched our second Buy a Brick campaign, inviting our community to be part of this legacy. Contributions will be recognised on our Performing Arts legacy wall, supporting generations of Lakes learners to come.
The opening of the Performing Arts Precinct and Gym marks an exciting new chapter for The Lakes College. We look forward to seeing these spaces come alive with creativity, energy and connection for many years to come.
🎥 Video courtesy of McLellan Bush Architects