The Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) and Café upgrade at St Patrick’s College forms part of a broader campus vision developed through a collaborative masterplanning process led by Alleanza. The masterplan identified key opportunities to strengthen connections across the site, enhance learning environments and support the evolving educational focus of the school.
Emerging from this process, the COLA project was identified as a catalyst to reinforce existing pedestrian pathways while creating flexible indoor–outdoor learning opportunities. The project reinvigorates a previously underutilised central space by reconfiguring general circulation through the area, improving accessibility and establishing a clear, intuitive movement network. A variety of gathering spaces support informal learning and social interaction.
The upgraded COLA significantly enhances amenity through increased light, openness and the introduction of natural vegetation—transforming a largely concrete environment into a welcoming and engaging place. A distinctive feature element anchors the space, while the use of bright colours brings energy, identity and vibrancy to this section of the campus.
Complementing the COLA, the Café project involves a carefully integrated addition to an existing building to support the school’s expanding hospitality program. Designed as a student-led environment, the space functions both as a teaching facility and a fully operational café. The result is a sophisticated yet highly functional setting that enables hands-on learning, collaboration and real-world experience within a contemporary campus environment.
Client: St Patrick’s College
Location: Campbelltown, NSW
Size: 650sqm + 75sqm
Value: confidential
Status: Completed 2023 + Completed 2024
Alleanza Team: Phoebe Glanville, Cassie Stronach, Christine Looyschelder, Nancy Xie, Alina Sun
Contractor: Cowyn Building Group + Secure Building Solutions
Collaborators: SAAD Consulting Engineers, Abel & Brown, Xeriscapes, JJ Marino & Associates
Photographer: Jarrod Bryant