The Scots College Main School Building

MAIN SCHOOL BUILDING

The Scots College 
Main School Building
Bellevue Hill NSW

The Main School Building was built in 1915 and designed by Power and Adams Architects. It was part of an expansionary phase at the College, introducing new classroom blocks for a growing cohort. In 1939 the building went through significant upgrades with additions including a new storey, the Assembly Hall, a new South wing and the clocktower. JCA Architects was commissioned by the College to carry out conservation works that first began in 2006. 

These works include:
1. Assembly Hall reconstruction, previously destroyed by fire. 
2. Annex connection to the South wing and linking with the Business Studies Centre. 
3. Adaptive reuse including a passenger lift to provide an accessible pathway and a fire-isolated stairwell that discharges to the Oval
4. Clocktower conservation including replacing deteriorating ornaments and structural members.
5. Dormer reconstruction to roof
6. Accessible pathway from and to the main entry foyer of Victoria Road, Eastern verandah and stage area including a wheelchair lift.
7. Repainting of the building’s facade by Rintoul Associates
8. Conservation work and reconstruction of the Main Entry off Victoria Road.
9. Life safety and upgrade of fire protection services (ongoing)

The fire of 1975 resulted in the collapse of the roof structure and the clock tower. During the subsequent reconstruction, the dormers on the Eastern side were omitted. While conservation work to the clock tower was underway, the College took the opportunity to reconstruct two dormers using archival images and original architectural drawings. In addition to their historical significance, the dormers are now integral to the mechanical plant room, playing a key role in facilitating upgrades to the building's mechanical systems.

The College is committed to upgrading life safety and fire protection services to ensure that the building continues to serve for and be appreciated by the Scots Community.

“The elegant Victoria Road entrance to the [Main School Building] once again accurately points to what is within, as for 50 years the formal College gathering space was devoid of meaning and budgeted from an insurance payout.  The restored [architecture] speaks to a College aware of its heritage and the role of the built environment to support and enhance everything that takes place within.  The grandeur of the hall was restored, but with increased capacity, air conditioning and unprecedented accessibility, allowing all members of the Scots community to enjoy and celebrate this space.” 
- Steven Adams, Director of Property and Works of The Scots College (2009 - 2024).

 Photos by Alex Donnini Photography and Melina Bilotta