The Victorian government has appointed Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design to design the rebuild of a historic school in Melbourne’s south after it was razed by fire.
In the early hours of 1 February, a fire ripped through Sandringham Primary School destroying a significant part of the school, particularly the west wing, south wing and the library. Around 50 percent of the class areas were affected and the staff area was also destroyed. Two teenage boys were charged in relation to the fire.
Sandringham Primary Sch0ol was founded in 1855 and is listed as a Grade B heritage structure in the City of Bayside. According to the Victorian School Building Authority, “It is likely that much of the external heritage-listed brick wall façade can be saved.” Demolition at the site is underway and will continue until Easter.
The school’s 500 students have been temporarily relocated to Sandringham East Primary School and Sandringham Secondary College while the school is being rebuilt, which is estimated to take around two to three years, although the Victorian government has since announced most students in the state will be educated from home to ensure physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design has received a number of awards for its education projects, including an Award for Educational Architecture for Geelong Grammar School, School of Performing Arts and Creative Education, at the 2016 Victorian Architecture Awards, and the Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage Architecture for Melbourne Grammar School Memorial Hall at the 2006 National Architecture Awards.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
