Marymede Catholic College

As Marymede Catholic College continued the staged development of its Doreen campus, the school saw an opportunity to solve a familiar challenge: giving students access to outdoor space in all conditions.

Before the project, rain, heat and exposure limited how often the outdoor courts could be used for recess, lunchtime, PE and sport. The College wanted students to be able to move, play and learn outside, even on days when the weather would usually force activity indoors.

The brief was to create more than a covered court. Marymede needed a protected, flexible and highly usable space that could support everyday school life, from sport and outdoor learning to assemblies, masses and community gatherings. Just as importantly, the structure needed to help establish a clear centre for the growing campus.

Greenline worked with Marymede Catholic College and the broader project team to understand the site, assess the conditions and consider the best structural response for the school’s needs.

The result is a large-span covered court structure now known across the College as the “Big Top”. Positioned at the centre of the campus, it creates an open-air environment that gives students the benefits of being outside, with protection from sun, rain and winter conditions.

Powdercoated steelwork and a white PVC membrane create a bright, durable and low-maintenance outcome, while integrated lighting extends the functionality of the space.

The process was consultative from the outset, with Greenline helping the College explore different options before arriving at the most suitable structure. Construction was carefully managed around the needs of an active school environment, with site conditions, weather and access requirements coordinated throughout delivery. The project was completed on time, on budget and to the school’s satisfaction.

The “Big Top” has become the new heart of the campus, giving students the freedom to play, gather and spend time outdoors throughout the year, without the weather limiting how the space can be used.

The space has also changed how the school comes together. Assemblies, masses and school events can be held in a central outdoor setting without the same dependence on weather, while teachers can use the area for learning beyond PE and sport.

For the College, the structure has delivered both everyday function and long-term value. It supports current students, strengthens the school’s sense of community and creates a visible feature for prospective families considering Marymede. As the campus continues to evolve, the “Big Top” gives the school a clear centre to grow around.