Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School & Albert Park College

We are building state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal spaces for students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and Albert Park College. 

This will be the first stage of a creative facility that can be shared with the wider community. 

We are working with the schools and Gasworks Arts Park.

Why was this location chosen?

The Department of Education considers factors such as the proximity and accessibility of surrounding schools, the availability of a suitable site, and the ability to co-locate complementary facilities when identifying new school sites.

Land within the vicinity of both Albert Park College and the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School were considered for the project. The Gasworks Park site was determined as the preferred site for the new creative facility for the schools.

Multinet Gas, a utility company, previously owned the site. The Minister for Education purchased the site for the development of these proposed education facilities. The land has no heritage implications.

Where is the building located and what was the site previously used for?

The corner of Pickle and Richardson Street, Albert Park.

In the past, the existing site housed gas valves and served as a site for Multinet Gas infrastructure. Multinet Gas decommissioned equipment in early 2022, and land was handed over to the Department of Education in mid-2022.

Will the walls around the old Multinet Gas site be retained?

All walls built prior to 1950 will be integrated into the design, unaltered. We will look to use the existing 1850’s façade of the Old Gasworks Site to form internal aspects of the new performing arts centre. Some walls constructed after 1950 will be adjusted to suit the new school building. The department will not be building on or modifying structures on public land within Gasworks Park.

When will construction start and finish? And how will the community be notified?

We are hoping to appoint a builder in the coming months. Site preparation works will begin shortly after, followed by initial demolition works. Once a builder has been appointed, we will circulate a construction letter to the neighbouring community to provide greater information and an updated timeline, where possible.

The current forecast date for completion is Term 4, 2024.

Will there be parking on site?

There is no parking provided on site. The proximity of both schools to the performance and rehearsal space means that most students will be able to walk or use public transport. The facility will be easily accessed via public transport and off-street parking is available in the immediate vicinity.

How do I keep up to date with the project?

This project page will be updated with further information as the project progresses. Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest information on the project.