Notre Dame Catholic College

Urbis was engaged by Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) to provide town planning and transport advisory services to assist with the master planning process and secure approval for the new P–12 Catholic College in Caloundra, on the Sunshine Coast.

The site sits within the Aura locality, a master planned community characterised by predominantly residential development, interspersed amongst a variety of centre and community uses. 

As one of the first civic assets delivered in a new greenfield area, Notre Dame Catholic College plays a critical role in establishing identity, belonging and everyday connection for families moving into the community. The school has been planned as an integrated Community Hub, demonstrating how well-designed educational environments can support trust, relationships and curriculum delivery.

Our Planning team collaborated with specialist consultants to develop a master plan that maximised the site’s development potential while carefully considering the likely future relationships between the sub-sectors of the school. 

Following the master planning, Urbis worked with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to secure approval for a staged delivery of the project via a Compliance Assessment process. Endorsement from EDQ was granted on 30 March 2022 for Stage 1 and 30 June 2025 for Stage 2.

The campus adopts a ‘learning neighbourhood’ model, with age groups organised into distinct yet connected precincts supported by nearby specialist facilities and outdoor learning areas tailored to different teaching and learning needs. This approach promotes a clear sense of place, legibility and connection, helping students feel supported as they transition through different stages of education, from Prep through to Year 12.

The layout balances quieter spaces, collaborative zones and areas for informal connection, enabling interdisciplinary learning, collaboration and flexibility. Importantly, the design anticipates change, allowing the school to adapt to short-, medium- and long-term spatial requirements, as enrolments, curriculum and community needs evolve.

Throughout planning and delivery, engagement with students, educators, families and First Nations communities has been central, reinforcing the value of listening early and often to create inclusive, resilient and meaningful environments. 

We continue to collaborate with BCE and EDQ to secure approval for future stages to complete the Notre Dame Catholic College. As education continues to evolve, projects like this demonstrate how placing relationships, care and community at the centre of design can deliver lasting value for both learners and the neighbourhoods they serve.