At a symbolic Blessing of the Land ceremony held by the college on Wednesday, May 19, it was announced stage one of the build had been approved to go to tender.
St Joseph’s College principal Michael Delaney said the developments meant early earthworks could commence within weeks.
“As we meet on the site of our future junior campus to conduct this special ceremony to bless the land, we are delighted to announce these significant developments,” Mr Delaney said.
“We look forward to stage one of our master plan commencing, and to welcoming the first round of year seven students on to the Stratton Rd campus to start the 2023 school year.”
Catholic Capital Grants, the charity body that operates to receive and allocate government funds to participant schools, recently gave approval for the tender process to commence.
Mr Delaney said a small number of conditions on the planning permit were still to be approved by Campaspe Shire Council before tender documentation could be distributed to short-listed building companies.
“While those few conditions are being finalised, council has given its approval for early earthworks to begin here at Stratton Rd,” he said.
“We anticipate these works will commence within a few weeks.”
Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller said it was a step in the right direction for the education sector in the twin towns.
“This new campus will be fantastic for the community and the school itself,” she said.
“Our area is growing and I'm happy to see new facilities and opportunities open up for our young people.”
St Joseph’s College announced plans to expand to a two campus school in August 2019.
The capital works project will see the existing site at Dickson St refurbished to become a senior campus (years 10 to 12), and construction of the new Echuca West junior campus catering for students in years seven to nine.
“This is an exciting time in the history of our 135-year-old college — for our staff, students, families, diocese and the wider community,” Mr Delaney said.
“Demand for enrolments has been increasing in recent years and it will be fantastic to be able to be as inclusive as possible of those seeking Catholic education.
“This major project will assist our college to continue in our mission to challenge and empower students to be creative and critical thinkers who act with strength and kindliness in the Gospel tradition.”
The Blessing of the Land ceremony included the presentation and blessing of a seedling grown from an acorn from the oak tree at the existing Dickson St campus.
The seedling will be planted at the new site, providing a symbolic link between the two campuses and carrying on the rich history and association with the Brigidine Sisters, who founded the college in 1886.
The Sisters planted the oak tree from an acorn brought with them from Ireland. The acorn originated from a sacred oak tree planted by Bishop Daniel Delany (founder of the Brigidine Order) in the grounds of the Brigidine Convent in Tullow in 1807.
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