Following a comprehensive refurbishment of the entire building, including the addition of 181m² on the mezzanine level, Shrewsbury has been reimagined as a vibrant, modern space designed to inspire creativity and support contemporary learning.
This major redesign has been guided by how our students learn today, and how they will learn into the future. Whether working independently, collaborating in small groups, or participating in larger learning sessions, the flexible learning environments within Shrewsbury allow students and teachers to adapt spaces to suit a wide range of needs. Flexibility is at the heart of the design.
Shrewsbury is now a dedicated creative hub, housing specialist facilities that enable students to develop practical skills and apply knowledge through hands-on, creative processes. A broad range of creative disciplines will be taught in the building, including painting, photography, printmaking, design, material design technology, food technology and more.
Mezzanine Floor
The mezzanine level serves as a hub for senior Art students, providing spaces for individual studio work alongside specialist facilities for silk screening and etching. The area features light-filled classrooms with adaptable layouts to support both group learning and independent study. Mobile furniture allows the space to be easily transformed into an exhibition area, while dedicated display cases showcase student artwork, creating an inspiring gallery environment within the building.
Student Learning and Collaboration
The redesigned Shrewsbury Building features flexible classroom structures that cater to diverse learning styles. Open-plan environments encourage collaboration, while configurable areas support focused individual work. Advanced technology integration and movable walls allow teachers and students to adapt spaces quickly to meet different teaching and learning requirements.
Creative Disciplines Under One Roof
As part of the project, several Creative Industries areas will relocate from the Centennial Building to Shrewsbury, bringing complementary disciplines together under one roof. Head of Faculty – Creative Industries, Matt Bennett, explains how this move will expand opportunities for students:
“The Shrewsbury Building renovation is a game-changer for the Creative Industries faculty, as it allows us to cater for our existing courses with spaces that are flexible and able to grow alongside our subject offerings.
Design and Visual Communication (DVC) has moved from Centennial to be closer to Visual Arts, allowing for greater collaboration across the two faculties with complementary subjects that students often pair at the senior level.
The building allows spaces to be opened and closed as tasks and project work demand, with a shared sewing machine and overlocker room serving two design spaces through large sliding doors.
The school now also has a workshop adjoining the senior DVC studio, consisting of a maker space and machine area that will allow students to develop design outcomes using a variety of materials into the future.
The move of DVC to Shrewsbury has also enabled Digital Technologies to gain dedicated spaces in Centennial, allowing the existing FabLab to evolve into a robotics and media environment.”
Incorporating Student Design
Students have played an active role in shaping the new building. Six students worked alongside Matt Bennett to design the decorative ‘wrap’ for the new stairwells. This project provided authentic design experience, from concept development to practical application, and ensures students have left a lasting mark on the building. This approach mirrors the successful involvement of students in the design of the intricate metalwork featured at the Performing Arts Centre.
Summary
The transformation of the Shrewsbury Building has been made possible through the vision, expertise, and collaboration of many dedicated staff, designers, and builders, all working towards a shared goal: creating exceptional learning spaces for our students.
Most importantly, this renewed creative hub places students at the centre. Shrewsbury now offers inspiring, flexible, and future-focused environments where creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning can flourish. As students step into the building in 2026, they will enjoy facilities that support their learning today while building the skills, confidence, and creative opportunities they need for the future.
