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Christ Church Grammar School Memorial Hall

School Performance Centre designed by Education Architect Mcildowie Partners

Christ Church Grammar School Hall

The restoration and refurbishment of the 1920s Memorial Hall at Christ Church Grammar School thoughtfully preserves its gothic-revival features while enhancing the multi-purpose functionality of the building.

Nestled at the eastern end of the tight inner city Christ Church Grammar campus, Memorial Hall was long overdue for a refurbishment – one that would respect the building's historical significance while also allowing students and alumni to use the space to its full potential.

 
 
 
Refurbished 1920s School Hall
 
 

As a performance space, there were two primary focuses: the stage and the balcony.

Although the stage, framed in a classic proscenium arch, was structurally in good working order, the stage floor was too high for primary school-age students to use safely. To combat this, the height of the stage was reduced by half, making it more user-friendly and accessible for all ages.

 
Architecturally designed School Hall with theatre seating

At the rear of the auditorium, the rudimentary classrooms that had been occupying the balcony space since the early 90s were demolished, uncovering the original stained-glass gothic windows and allowing the mezzanine to be restored to its intended use. Now, tiered balcony seating paired with a frameless glass balustrade delivers uninterrupted performance viewing.

 
 
Refurbished Timber clad multi-purpose School Hall
 
 

The design prioritised the rich history and heritage significance of the hall.

Original timber trusses are highlighted with lighting throughout the ceiling, the original proscenium stage arch, distinctive window frames, timber flooring and wall panelling were all restored, and the decorative corbels and war memorial - honouring local parish members who served in World War 1 - were preserved and showcased within the wall panelling.

Timber panels line the space, providing contrast to the original brickwork and timber trusses while highlighting the beauty of both the old and new.

The Atkar panels were cut off-site to reduce waste and pieced together by hand as one joinery element, giving the hall an overall sense of warmth and familiarity while adding substantial acoustic absorption.

The modernisation of the space included new lighting, hidden in the timber wall panelling, as well as a new air-conditioning system concealed beneath the stage, existing floor, and balcony seating, providing thermal comfort throughout while preserving the heritage quality of the space.

The refurbishment has delivered a remarkable, timeless mixed-use space suitable for theatre and music performances, wet-weather sports, after-school care, assemblies, and community events.

 
Timber acoustic panels in Architecturally Designed School Auditorium
 

“The McIldowie Partners team worked closely with us and our builders to design a Hall upgrade that maintained its heritage yet provided a modern, warm and soft feel.  Everyone entering the hall has commented on the aesthetics, the acoustics, the feel and the perfect melding of old and new.  We couldn’t be happier.”

~ Neil Andary, Principal

 
 
Architectural Refurbishment of School Hall