Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation
Victoria
Belerren defines a sporting precinct at the western edge of the senior campus of The Geelong College, incorporating a purpose-built double court gymnasium and world-class training environment.
It’s a facility to host school events, sports training, inter-school competition with additional learning spaces. Belerren also caters for the broader College community and is a significant place for school gathering.
Planning and design were carefully executed to allow the building to sit in concert with the heritage buildings on site and to nestle the building into the existing hillside. Ancillary facilities are located below the building which liberates the ground plane.
Wardle has been working closely with The Geelong College since 2015, initially on a comprehensive Masterplan and then a series of projects including Campbell House Junior School completed in 2020.
The double court facility pronounces itself powerfully at the edge of campus as a place to celebrate excellence and growth.
From the outset, the requirements for a building that serves the needs of students, inspires them to engage with their experiences within or around it and complements the existing environment (built and natural) were at the forefront for the design of Belerren.
These considerations were imperatives rather than “like to have”. The building honours these design imperatives and is much loved by students. Belerren is not simply a gymnasium, classrooms and underground car park. It’s a part of a wider physical experience of an historic school for a visitor and an integral part of a positive educational experience for students.
John Wardle, Design Architect
Alan Ting, Design Architect
Michael Prato, Project Architect
Diego Bekinschtein, Project Architect
Nicola Bowman, Project Architect
Michelle Gan, Graduate of Architecture
ACOR, Structural, Civil & Facade engineer
ADP Consulting, Services, Acoustics, ESD
Mexted Rimmer, Landscape Consultant
Context Planning, Town Planner
Bryce Raworth, Heritage Consultant