By Romy Stephens
The Mount Lilydale Mercy College was joined by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino today (23 August) to launch its new Mercy Learning Centre.
The Centre is the latest development in the College’s masterplan to deliver modern, open and light-filled spaces that help reflect contemporary learning opportunities.
Designed by Cirillo Architects, working in association with Architecture Etcetera Pty Ltd, the building brings together the library, lounges and seminar areas in a single community gathering place for students between years 10-12.
The school hopes it will support the sharing of student ideas outside the classroom and complement the shift towards collaborative media and team efforts.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s Principal Mr Philip Morison said the new learning space will be invaluable to all students.
“We are pleased to be able to launch this exciting project today which brings innumerable benefits for our students, providing the spatial and technological solutions to accommodate students’ needs now and into the future,” he said.
The College’s history and unique location provided some challenges for architects designing the new Learning Centre.
Founded in 1896, the college has sat on top of Rourke’s Hill for nearly 125 years.
It is highly visible from the surrounding area and has a strong visual presence in the local community.
Architect Anthony Worm said all of the historical and situational constraints had to be taken into consideration when designing the building.
“The design for the new masterplan was influenced by a study of medieval town planning in Europe,” he said.
“Responding to the constraints of the site, the new Mercy Learning Centre is a long narrow building that takes advantage of the views, while controlling access to daylight, services and changes in level down the steep hillside.”
Mount Lilydale Mercy College is a Catholic coeducational secondary school and is a
Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd.
The Learning Centre was also blessed at the launch by Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Region, Reverend Monsignor Anthony J Ireland.
