Schools
URPS is renowned for its skill in facilitating the development of schools across Adelaide. We have helped obtain approval for a wide variety of gymnasiums/recreation facilities, early learning centres, general learning areas, vocational education training centres and libraries for Wilderness School, St Peters Lutheran School, Woodcroft College, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Nazareth College, St Columba College and St David's Parish School, to name a few.
Planning issues common to the development of schools include:
- car parking/traffic-one space per full time employee, one space for wheelchair users + 10% of total for visitors
- Noise-whistles in gyms, playground noise and traffic, which may need specialist acoustic input
- Significant trees -trees 2.0 m in circumference measured 1 m up the trunk generally need to be retained
- Out of hours use-traffic and parking impacts beyond what neighbours have traditionally come to expect can be problematic
- Bulk and scale of buildings-overshadowing, overlooking and general appearance
- Stormwater management-to be managed on site (this can be a significant issue for large buildings on small sites)
- Open space provision -very few schools have enough.
We can also assist schools who are considering purchasing land for expansion, helping them understand the implications of different zoning associated with adjoining properties. It is also important to stay abreast of proposed amendments to council planning policy that may impact on the operation of the school.