Founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus on Barkers Road, Kew, Xavier College’s original location serves as the Senior Campus, accommodating approximately 1000 students.
The Central Precinct Development, secured through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and Design and Construct contract, involved the redevelopment of the Chapel Oval and the addition of the Kostka Building. This expansion was designed to accommodate a new cohort of 500 Year 7 and 8 students, showcasing both modern innovation and a commitment to preserving Xavier College’s rich historical heritage.
Chapel Oval
The Chapel Oval was re-imagined as a Transport Hub, with car parking consolidated to a central location on campus to minimise parking in other areas and limit pedestrian and car interaction. The existing oval was demolished and excavated to create a subterranean car park with 250 parking spaces and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, as well as facilities including change rooms, bathrooms, first aid rooms, a uniform shop, and maintenance facilities. Subsequently, the oval was reconstructed on top with a suspended slab and natural turf playing surface.
The Kostka Building
The Kostka Building overlooks the College’s iconic Memorial Chapel and redeveloped Chapel Oval and is a welcoming and nurturing learning environment for the Years 7 & 8 students.
The lower ground floor of the building features the Years 7 & 8 Chapel, a drama space, bathrooms, along with services and communications room, cleaners’ room, and general storage areas to support the maintenance of the building. The Chapel serves as a flexible venue for religious services, classes, seminars, and small performances. The circular space offers panoramic views and features stained glass repurposed from the Chapel at the former Kostka Hall Campus, which closed its gates in 2021.
The ground floor houses ultramodern specialist classrooms for art, science, and technology, with a central break-out space and a courtyard, along with the Resource Centre. This sky-lit centre includes quiet study and small group research areas, as well as larger group study spaces around the perimeter, encouraging collaboration and sharing of work among students.
Both year levels have two designated learning neighbourhoods in the building. For Year 7, one is on the ground floor and the other on Level 1, while Year 8 neighbourhoods are on Level 1 and Level 2. Each learning neighbourhood consists of 5 classrooms and a centralised break-out space. Staff facilities, including offices and meeting rooms, are located between the learning neighbourhoods to maintain students’ connection with their teachers throughout the day.
The area adjacent to the learning neighbourhood on Level 2 extends outdoors, forming part of the Level 1 roof. This area features a sensory rooftop garden for quiet reflection, aligning with Jesuit values, and serves as an event gathering space.
A new basketball court and play area for the Years 7 & 8 students was constructed next to the Kostka Building and Chapel Oval, replacing the previously demolished maintenance shed.
Expanding upon the accomplishments of our collaboration on the Manresa project, we are grateful for our partnership with Xavier College, Case Meallin, and MGS Architects leading to the successful realisation of the Central Precinct Development – a pivotal project contributing to the transformation of the Senior Campus.
