PLC SydneyPreschoolPLC Sydney Preschool

Ashfield Preschool is an adaptive re-use project to create a new preschool for Presbyterian Ladies’ College at the site of Ashfield Presbyterian Church. The project required significant restoration and upgrade of the original 1876 weatherboard church and a section of the Goodlet Sunday School and Institute, a double storey brick building originally completed in 1913.

NBRS was involved in this project from the initial feasibility stage through to completion of the construction works and acted as a key intermediary between both clients, as well as coordinating several consultants which were required for this project. Significant and complex fire, services and accessibility upgrades were needed to support the change of use and to increase amenity of the areas which are still used by the congregation, while still respecting and maintaining important heritage features.

The new Preschool includes three teaching areas, a new kitchenette for both the Church and Preschool, staff and supporting areas, a new refurbished connection and reception between the original buildings and a large outdoor play area. These new areas were curated within the existing buildings to provide an outstanding teaching facility that respects the significance of the church buildings as well as the needs of modern pedagogy.

Ashfield Preschool is the pilot project for a mutually beneficial partnership between Presbyterian Ladies College and the Presbyterian Church, activating church spaces that are typically under-utilised during the week with a new community while providing a new avenue for school enrolments via the preschool.