Designs and Engagement Report
Earlier this year, we asked the local community about their aspirations and ideas for a primary school in Docklands. Community feedback received during the community engagement stage was collected and given to the architects to incorporate into the school building design.
We asked for your ideas to help shape the school by contributing to the ‘education specification’ (the school’s educational philosophy).
The Community Engagement Report below captures the key findings from feedback we gathered online or at community workshops.
COX Architecture received the report, and used it to help design the new school’s master plan.
Engagement Report and master plan overview




What you said
- There is a high level of community support for the new primary school.
- Architecture and landscape: People are seeking a sustainable school building. They would like to see strong natural elements incorporated, including trees and vegetation. Participants suggested making the best use of the available space through vertical design and innovative ideas such as rooftop gardens, terraces and integration with the surrounding environment.
- Play and social: There is a desire for students to have play spaces that are open and connected to nature.
- Community connection: The new school provides an opportunity to create and enhance a sense of community belonging and identity in Docklands. This could be achieved through community spaces at the school, and connecting students to local community facilities.
- Accessibility: Safe and easy access to the school for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and vehicles is important.
- Curriculum, learners and learning: There is support for an inclusive curriculum that offers a wide range of practical and specialist skills, including a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
- Celebration of multiculturalism and social diversity is an important consideration.
- There is a high level of community interest in future secondary provision in the area.
Next Steps
We would like to thank everyone from the inner city community who contributed to the planning stage of a new primary school in Docklands.
If you would like to stay updated about this project, please subscribe here.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Victorian School Building Authority.
Community Consultation
Introduction
The Victorian Government has committed to building a primary school in Docklands.
The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) has selected a site, and begun designing the school with COX Architecture.
We have heard from you and reviewed your comments, feedback and ideas. We compiled these into a report, which is available on the ‘What we heard’ tab.
What kind of school do you want?
Schools are more than a building – they are at the heart of a community. By providing input, you have contributed to building a vibrant community for Docklands.
With your ideas, perspective and feedback, we will deliver excellence in education for the inner city.
We are excited to have received responses from students, parents, educators, residents and business owners, who all make up the inner city community.
We have heard your perspective on:
- designing a school that puts students and learning first
- ensuring the school supports diversity and student wellbeing
- making the school sustainable and using state-of-the-art technology
- getting the Docklands and inner Melbourne community involved
- ensuring the school works within the broader Docklands precinct
Comment board
<p><strong>What will make Docklands Primary School a relevant and effective place for learning?</strong></p>
- Recent
- Popular
- Contentious
21 May, 2017
rocwhi says:
“Students at Docklands Primary School should have access to kitchen and herb gardens to support learning in Science and Sustainability.”
20 May, 2017
Danielle says:
“Easily Accessible: Improve footpath access from West Melb - currently pedestrian access limited to Dudley St which isn't pedestrian friendly”
4 May, 2017
Theanalyst says:
“Check out the school designed by Takaharu Tezuka in Japan. One of the best designed schools in the world. Let's do something different”
2 May, 2017
JudyWang says:
“Melbourne's inner city community had long been requesting for a new school to be builder in this area to suit the need! Finally!!!!”
30 April, 2017
JulieM says:
“Regulations require 7m2 of outdoor space per student for before and after school care. How will this be provided in a vertical school?”
30 April, 2017
Rafael says:
“As the docklands this school should be modernistic, technologies enabled with links to local library, water, parks and history. ”
29 April, 2017
Aimme says:
“Advanced technology and experienced teachers are the most importsnt factors.school can provide more opportunity for kids to find themselves”
28 April, 2017
Angela3003 says:
“Please plan at this stage to make the school Prep to Year 12 to avoid a demographic tsunami like the rest of the inner city.”
27 April, 2017
MaryAthans says:
“I'm a Kindergarten Teacher also Primary qualifed. An Early Learning Centre to Year 12 so children can transition through seamlessly. ”
27 April, 2017
Robyn3000 says:
“Provide p-12 so city families have a local school before they grow old or further crowd nearest suburban schools.”
27 April, 2017
Robyn3000 says:
“Integrate healthy lifestyle for local families generally live in apartments; lots of different play nature good walking/bike routes”
27 April, 2017
BrookeParsons says:
“Inclusive and accommodating to individual needs. A place students feel comfortable and want to come too.”