Marymede Catholic College, Doreen Campus

Marymede Catholic College was continuing the staged development of its Doreen campus, with new outdoor courts forming part of the school’s next phase of growth. Rather than treating shelter as a later addition, the College saw an opportunity to plan ahead and make the space more useful from the beginning.

The challenge was a familiar one for schools: how to give students access to outdoor space when weather would usually restrict play, PE, sport and learning.

The College wanted students to be able to move, gather and spend time outside throughout the year, with protection from rain, heat and winter conditions. The structure also needed to do more than cover the courts. Positioned within a growing campus, it had to support daily school life, create a strong central gathering point and provide long-term flexibility for assemblies, masses, community events and future use.

Greenline worked with Marymede Catholic College and the broader project team to assess the site, review structural options and deliver a covered court solution that suited the school’s needs, campus layout and construction program.

The result is a large-span PVC barrel vault structure, now known across the College as the “Big Top”. Its open form provides generous coverage across the new multipurpose sports courts while maintaining the benefits of an outdoor environment, including fresh air, natural light and a sense of openness.

Powdercoated steelwork and a white PVC membrane create a bright, durable and low-maintenance finish. Integrated lighting extends the functionality of the space, supporting sport, school events and community use beyond standard daylight hours.

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.

For teachers, the covered courts provide flexibility beyond PE, creating opportunities for outdoor learning, routines and whole-school events without the same dependence on weather.

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.