At 17.7 hectares, Cooper Park is the largest urban bushland in the area, and new draft plans have now set out how this Bellevue Hill landmark will be managed and improved.
Cooper Park was gazetted as a public park in 1917 and has since become a defining green space in Bellevue Hill. It contains 12 hectares of bushland, walking tracks, sportsfields, picnic areas, and heritage structures such as the 1930s amphitheatre and the Moon Bridge. The park is already listed on the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 2014, with Council also pursuing recognition on the State Heritage Register.
Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil
Features of the Draft Plan
The draft Plan of Management, prepared under the Local Government Act 1993, sets out five categories of land: Park, Sportsground, General Community Use, Natural Area – Bushland, and Natural Area – Watercourse. These categories ensure clear guidance for recreation, heritage, and conservation.
The Master Plan proposes a range of upgrades over the next 10 to 15 years:
A reconfigured Bunna Place entry and carpark with traffic calming and additional parking bays.
Expanded play areas and picnic grounds, with new lawn spaces and creek-edge improvements.
Amphitheatre enhancements including terraces, seating, and a fitness station to support small events.
Creek and pond rehabilitation through water sensitive urban design to improve water quality and habitat.
Designated dog off-leash areas at selected sites and time-restricted access at Lower Cooper Park.
Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil
Community Consultation and Feedback
The draft plans follow two stages of consultation. Between November 2023 and February 2024, 155 submissions were received from the community. A further exhibition period took place from 23 April to 6 June 2025, supported by three community pop-up sessions and a statutory public hearing on 28 May 2025.
Feedback highlighted the community’s strong attachment to the park’s bushland setting, along with requests for better facilities and the need to balance competing uses such as sport, family recreation, and dog exercise.
The Cooper Park draft Plan of Management and Master Plan, now updated with community input, was presented to Woollahra Council’s Environmental Planning Committee on Monday, 1 September 2025, at 6:30 p.m. If adopted, the plans will guide the long-term future of Cooper Park, ensuring it remains a central natural and heritage space for Bellevue Hill.
A distinguished 1930s Bellevue Hill estate has changed hands for $21,076,000 following an intense private auction that saw 19 registered parties vying for the prized property.
The four-bedroom deceased estate known as ‘Fernlee’, positioned at 41 Drumalbyn Road on an elevated 930-square-metre block with sweeping harbour vistas, attracted considerable interest from potential buyers despite initially carrying a guide price of $13 million to $14.3 million when it first appeared on the market in July.
The substantial final sale price represented a remarkable $6 million premium above the revised guide of $15 million, which had been adjusted just 10 days prior to the auction after the property received two early offers.
According to selling agent Steven Zoellner from Laing + Simmons Double Bay, the property’s unique character and prime location drove the exceptional result. The residence features the grand proportions typical of homes from its era, including soaring ceilings, generously proportioned rooms, and the timeless appeal that comes with nearly a century of heritage.
Auctioneer Jake Moore from Cooleys conducted proceedings at the Double Bay offices, with bidding commencing at $16 million and climbing in $500,000 increments until reaching $20 million. The competition intensified significantly in the final stages, with increments dropping to just $1,000 as four determined bidders pushed beyond the $20 million mark.
The auction attracted 38 bids in total, with the contest ultimately narrowing to two final participants above $21 million. Industry sources indicate the successful purchaser was represented by prominent buyer’s agent Simon Cohen and is currently residing overseas. The runner-up bidder was understood to be a local Bellevue Hill resident.
The property had remained in the hands of the same family since 1990, when medical practitioners Katherine Tang Yiu and her late husband Robert acquired it for $2.3 million. Dr Tang Yiu, who passed away last July at age 91, had relocated from the residence six years earlier, leaving the substantial home unoccupied.
Family tributes described Dr Tang Yiu as a woman of remarkable energy who maintained the expansive property and its extensive gardens with dedication. Her knowledge of Chinese history and antiques was particularly noted, with the home housing a collection of furniture and artwork rich in cultural significance.
The property carries additional historical interest through its previous ownership. Records show it was purchased in 1931 by Ulisse Pellegrini, the managing director of Pellegrini and Co, a Melbourne-established firm that supplied religious articles to Catholic institutions across Australia.
Mr Pellegrini, who received papal recognition through the Knighthood of St Gregory in 1947, had been granted a private audience with Pope Pius XI during a 1929 European visit. He passed away at Lewisham Hospital in February 1950 at age 56.
The current sale reflects the continued strength of Sydney’s prestige property market, particularly in tightly held locations such as Bellevue Hill’s dress-circle streets. The substantial interest from both local and international buyers demonstrates the enduring appeal of heritage properties with premium positioning and harbour access.
Bellevue Hill residents are witnessing their suburb inch ever closer to making Australian property history, with the latest data revealing the median house price has reached $9.925 million – just $75,000 shy of the unprecedented $10 million mark.
According to the latest Domain House Price Report released this week, the prestigious eastern suburb has experienced remarkable growth, with property values climbing by $4.3 million over the past five years. This meteoric rise positions Bellevue Hill as Australia’s most expensive suburb, with experts predicting the historic milestone will be achieved by year’s end.
69 Bulkara Road, Bellevue Hill sold for $25,500,000 on June 10, 2025. Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
Dr Nicola Powell, Domain’s chief of research and economics, highlighted the significance of this growth for existing homeowners. Those who purchased properties before the COVID-19 pandemic have seen multimillion-dollar increases in their home values, she noted.
The suburb’s appeal has remained consistently strong since 2012, driven by factors that distinguish it from other prestigious Sydney locations. Local real estate professionals point to several key advantages that continue to attract affluent buyers to the area.
Ben Collier from The Agency explained that buyers from Vaucluse are increasingly drawn to Bellevue Hill for its superior city access, even though many properties lack harbour views. As waterfront properties become increasingly scarce across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, discerning buyers are turning to Bellevue Hill as their preferred alternative.
The suburb’s unique combination of central location and generous land sizes sets it apart from competitors such as Vaucluse, Bondi Junction, Bronte, and Mosman. Di Wilson from Ray White Double Bay emphasised that residents benefit from proximity to city amenities whilst enjoying the space and privacy typically associated with more distant locations.
Post-pandemic market dynamics have further fuelled demand, with buyers prioritising city proximity over traditional preferences. Oliver Lavers from TRG observed that online property searches now favour inner-city addresses like Bellevue Hill over previously popular Vaucluse listings.
24 Kambala Road, Bellevue Hill sold for $13,900,000 on May 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
The premium placed on renovated properties has contributed significantly to price escalation. Lavers cited a remarkable example where a Fairweather Street property purchased for $9 million in 2020 underwent $3 million in renovations and sold for $21 million just two years later.
Land scarcity in prime streets has reached critical levels, with vacant blocks in prestigious locations like Kambala Road and Bulkara Road commanding prices exceeding $10 million. A recent Kambala Road land sale achieved $13 million for an undeveloped block, demonstrating the suburb’s escalating value proposition.
The year has been particularly notable for trophy sales, with several transactions exceeding $40 million. Significant deals include filmmaker Warwick Ross and former journalist Margot Ross achieving $50 million for their property, whilst retail executive Ellie Tavakoli from ACS Designer Bathrooms secured $45 million for her Kambala Road mansion. Local buyers also completed a $45 million purchase within the suburb.
These figures follow last year’s record-breaking $80 million sale of Alcooringa, the Spanish Mission mansion sold by property developer Stephanie Conley-Buhre.
Industry professionals anticipate continued upward pressure on prices, with Collier predicting that Bellevue Hill may eventually breach the $100 million ceiling for individual property sales. The concentration of ultra-high-value transactions this year alone suggests the suburb’s premium market remains robust.
Recent data confirms that both Bellevue Hill and Vaucluse have experienced exceptional year-on-year growth, with average increases exceeding one million dollars, reinforcing the suburb’s position at the apex of Sydney’s property market.
As the suburb approaches this historic pricing milestone, residents and observers alike are watching to see whether Bellevue Hill will become the first Australian suburb to achieve a median house price of $10 million, cementing its status as the nation’s most exclusive residential enclave.
A property owner based in Bellevue Hill has entered into agreements to host dozens of wind turbines on regional land near Yass, drawing concern from nearby farmers.
Will Kelly, a resident of Bellevue Hill and member of an exclusive Sydney golf club, owns a large rural property near Yass in New South Wales. His brother, Sam Kelly, owns the neighbouring lot. Both properties have been selected to host a major portion of the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm.
The wind farm project, proposed by developer Wind Prospect, is planned for a site between the towns of Bowning and Binalong. It includes up to 90 turbines, each 260 metres tall. The Kelly brothers’ properties are expected to host a significant number of these turbines.
Contracts between Wind Prospect and the Kelly brothers were made privately and became known to neighbouring property owners earlier in the year. Some residents have raised concerns about the lack of transparency, as their properties border turbine sites but were not included in negotiations.
In response to rising local interest, Wind Prospect attended a community meeting on 21 May at Bowning Hall, hosted by the Bowning and District Progress Association. The session was used to introduce the project and provide details to residents.
Community Reaction and Concerns
Several residents have raised questions over the fairness of the arrangements, pointing to potential declines in land value and the visual impact of turbines located near their boundaries.
Public commentary shared online has ranged from objections about environmental and economic concerns to debate over whether such infrastructure should be built in rural areas. Some residents questioned why turbine infrastructure was not placed closer to metropolitan users.
Photo Credit: Wind Prospect
Project Status and Oversight
Wind Prospect maintains that it has engaged with the community in a respectful and transparent manner. The Bendenine Wind Farm remains in its early planning stages, with no formal development application yet lodged.
Officials have confirmed that landholders such as Will and Sam Kelly are within their rights to negotiate private land use agreements, subject to final planning approvals. Wind Prospect has stated it will hand over the project to Mint Renewables at a later stage, though no specific timeframe for this transition has been disclosed.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by either of the Kelly brothers. The focus from nearby residents remains on the broader planning process and how similar arrangements are communicated to the wider community.
Caerleon, a red-brick mansion nestled in Bellevue Hill, quietly holds the title of being Australia’s first home built in the Queen Anne style, a design that would later shape much of the country’s Federation architecture.
Caerleon was completed in the mid-1880s for Charles B. Fairfax, a member of the well-known Fairfax family. At a time when most Sydney homes were built in the Gothic or Italianate styles, Caerleon marked a significant shift in taste and ambition. The house was one of the earliest signs that Australia was developing its own take on European design movements.
The Bellevue Hill home was named after the small town of Caerleon in Wales, a place famed for its Roman fortress and rich historical legacy. Its Welsh name (Caerllion) literally means “fortress of the legion”—an apt moniker given the town’s significance as a Roman military base. According to heritage records, Fairfax chose this name for his new Sydney home, likely to evoke the grandeur and historical weight associated with its Welsh namesake.
While Sydney architect Harry Kent created the first plans, they were later reworked in London by British architect Maurice Adams. The redesign caused some quiet tension. Kent’s contributions were overlooked in an exhibition in England, even though he remained the one who supervised its actual construction. This behind-the-scenes dispute never became a public scandal, but it shaped how the project was remembered within architecture circles.
A Home with a Distinct Personality
Unlike the uniform facades of other grand homes of its time, Caerleon stood out with its red brick walls, terracotta tiles, and timber detailing. It featured elements such as steep gables, tall chimneys, stained-glass windows and verandahs trimmed in timber, features that were then considered new and even risky. Over time, these would influence a whole generation of domestic architecture in New South Wales.
The home sits on a slope above the harbour, offering views that were rare when it was first built. Its Queen Anne style became widely admired and set a pattern followed by many other homes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Recognised for its cultural and architectural significance, Caerleon is listed on both the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the former Register of the National Estate. These listings ensure that key elements of the home are preserved, not just for its owners but for the community and future generations to learn from.
While private, the house remains a quiet part of Bellevue Hill’s local identity. It reminds residents of the suburb’s place in the story of Sydney’s development, especially as heritage protections become increasingly important amid modern redevelopment pressures.
A Quiet Return to the Headlines
Caerleon drew national attention in early 2008 when it sold for $22 million, one of the highest private home sales at the time. The buyer was media executive Lachlan Murdoch, whose purchase added a modern chapter to the home’s long story. The sale confirmed Caerleon’s status not just as an architectural icon but also as a major property of interest in Sydney’s competitive high-end market.
Despite its celebrity connection, Caerleon has remained out of the spotlight. Neighbours know it not for the headlines but for its long-standing presence—unchanged, dignified, and steeped in the area’s local memory.
A newly completed student centre at The Scots College in Bellevue Hill has prompted commentary on architectural authenticity, educational equity, and the role of tradition in school design.
The John Cunningham Student Centre marks a significant transformation of the former Stevenson Library, originally completed in 1988. Once described as a stark, flat-roofed structure lacking character, the library was considered unsuitable for a contemporary educational environment.
Rather than proceed with a full demolition, sections of the original building were retained. This decision, based on the structural viability of the existing form, required complex integration with the new design, which adopts a historic architectural style.
The old Stevenson Library building and the new John Cunningham Student Centre
A Calculated Departure from Modernism
The centre features Scots Baronial architecture, a revivalist style from the 19th century that draws on medieval and Renaissance influences. Key design elements — including stone arches, turrets, and a cantilevered stair — were constructed using genuine materials such as structural stone, Welsh slate, and bronze.
Led by architect John Cockings of JCA Architects, the project drew inspiration from Craigends House in Scotland, the ancestral home of alumnus John Cunningham’s family. This stylistic choice diverges from prevailing global design trends, positioning the building as a conscious departure from the uniformity of modernist architecture.
Revisiting Authenticity in Design
Photo Credit: The Scots College/Facebook
The $60-million student centre has drawn mixed reactions. Some in the architectural community labelled the design a “pastiche” — a term commonly applied to works perceived as stylistically imitative. Others, however, have noted the project’s detailed execution and commitment to architectural tradition as a considered counterpoint to contemporary norms.
Beyond the design, Scots College explains their vision:
With the generosity of our majority donor, Mr John W Cunningham, AM SCM (’50), our vision for the John Cunningham Student Centre is far more than an impressive building. Housed within it are learning spaces and spaces for students to meet and learn together. This allows for the normalisation of counselling and other support services to ensure that all students receive the proactive resources that they need to be not just a student, but to flourish and thrive and graduate as fine young men.
The project has become a reference point in ongoing architectural commentary about authenticity, originality, and the role of style. The decision to embrace a historical form challenges entrenched values that favour abstraction and minimalism, questioning whether historical references in architecture should be dismissed or embraced.
Rather than adhering to the aesthetic conventions of current educational buildings, the structure incorporates ornamentation, locality, and historical symbolism, reintroducing design elements often omitted in contemporary construction.
A Statement Beyond Its Walls
While the execution of the building was noted in some architectural commentary, concerns persist regarding cost and access. Now housing the school’s library, pastoral care rooms, and professional learning spaces, the facility reflects values of wealth, permanence, and tradition often associated with elite institutions.
The John Cunningham Student Centre stands as more than a facility upgrade. It reflects an institutional identity rooted in heritage and permanence. Whether it remains an exception or influences broader trends in educational architecture, the conversation it has sparked in design circles underscores its symbolic weight.
We’ve combed Bellevue Hill for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Tasty Sydney ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Returning after a long time, I completed a variety of sauce combinations than before and the taste got better. Marron and Toothfish were a bit disappointing to pay extra for, but the crab crumpets were good. The fish tacos were still delicious and the steak was very good. As expected from a dessert restaurant, the ending was good, so overall it was good.
Danijela M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable dining experience at Catalina. The establishment truly impressed me with its outstanding food and impeccable service. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance set a warm, inviting tone that perfectly complemented the culinary adventure ahead. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the 7-course autumn tasting menu, which featured a selection of dishes celebrating the season’s freshest ingredients. Each course was artfully presented and carefully balanced in flavor, evoking a sense of both comfort and sophistication. One of the standout moments of the day was when the head chef personally presented the first dish. This personal touch not only underscored the passion and commitment behind every plate but also provided a unique insight into the creative process and inspiration for the menu. The chef’s introduction made the dish feel even more special, setting the stage for the exceptional courses that followed. Every course was a testament to Catalina’s dedication to culinary excellence, with each dish delivering beautifully fresh flavors and innovative combinations that left a lasting impression. The service was equally commendable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff ensuring that the entire dining experience was seamless and thoroughly enjoyable. Overall, Catalina provided great food, impeccable service, and a personal touch combined to create a truly memorable experience.
Hami M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently dined at Washoku Restaurant in Rose Bay, and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. I had the wagyu, which was absolutely delicious, perfectly paired with rice. Highly recommend it!
Amy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gorgeous spot, the food is so fresh & service was spot on. Recommend kingfish sashimi, salmon taco, prawn lettuce cup, wild lion king roll.
Mark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Neighbourhood gem! The best, freshest food and a phenomenal selection. Stand outs salmon taco, pork gyoza, wagyu yaki soba and salmon curry! We’ve been at least once a month since it opened! And BYO
Maya N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is honestly the best food I’ve ever had! I ordered a Greek salad which was so good, a vegetarian pizza which was made with such care and it was delicious and my favourite of all – a classic tiramisu. This tiramisu was one of the best I’ve ever had – it was so good
Will R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very enjoyable al fresco dining experience – pizza was the best I’ve had in Sydney and the pasta was delicious too. BYO as well. An absolute gem in Bellevue Hill 🙂
Yoanita P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I came for the food, but stayed for the cozy, welcoming vibe. Inside and out, it feels like you’re dining right in the heart of Italy—complete with a rustic wood-fired oven for that perfect, authentic touch. 🇮🇹 Their menu is simple yet bursting with classic Italian flavour, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Sicily. It’s a perfect spot for a casual dine-and-wine date with friends or a warm gathering with loved ones. And watching the legendary owner, Arazzi, hand-craft the pizzas in his wood-fire oven? Pure theatre. 🍕🔥
Leon D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rained off work so I went for lunch as usual and what a good call that was. Had the chicken parmigiana. The chicken was cooked properly with a store bought tomato sauce on it. The cheese was good and plentiful and the chips were thin cut so they did go cold fast. The plate not warmed up. The salad was a good size and only leafy with a nice dressing on it. 4.5 plates cleaned
Pauline M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Body Came here on a rainy Sunday for roast. $28, you can pick between pork and chicken. The place was completely packed over the 2 levels. Find a spot and take it. Service was rather slow but most likely due to the number of people. There’s a fire place downstairs.
Randy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ragu steak was good, but i prefer the one with sauce rather than the home butter. The beer selection in here was also great. Great deal 18$ for the ragu steak on tuesday. Car park just behind the pub. Pretty tight and have to look around to get the spot
Michelle D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delightful all round… prompt and efficient, serving consistently good Thai dishes that are more on the authentic side. Deep fried barramundi on this occasion was more steamed than crisp. Sticky rice with beef and pad Thai are favourites.
Cora B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of my favorite Thai restaurants in Bondi, lovely staffs and food, my favorite go to meal is pineapple and prawn with fried rice, and BBQ pork with sticky rice. I always had a great time when visiting the restaurant, love it❤️
Em ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Thai food and probably the best beef salad I’ve had. The beef is perfectly marinated and cooked. Service was on point. Highly recommend!!
The 16-year-old, who previously played for The Southport School on the Gold Coast, joins Scots as part of a unique dual pathway that also links him to the Sydney Roosters through a development deal.
Lote-Felo, a powerful No. 8, has drawn attention for his athleticism and impact at the schoolboy level. His arrival is seen as a statement by Scots College, which continues to invest heavily in top-tier rugby talent to bolster its First XV program.
Photo Credit: The Scots College
The Roosters development contract allows Lote-Felo to train with the NRL club on a weekly basis while remaining eligible to play schoolboy rugby union. That arrangement, though rare, has been carefully structured to ensure that the student-athlete meets school and sporting commitments without breaching existing competition rules.
This cross-border move is significant for a few reasons. First, it involves a direct transfer between two elite GPS rugby programs — The Southport School in Queensland and Scots College in New South Wales — which is uncommon at this level. Second, it signals a potential shift in how elite rugby and league pathways intersect at the school level, particularly when driven by NRL club development interests.
Scots has not made public comment on the signing, but the news has drawn attention across school rugby circles, particularly in Queensland where rival GPS schools have taken notice of Lote-Felo’s departure.
The arrangement reportedly allows the young forward to remain focused on his education and his rugby union development, with the Roosters offering a supporting role that doesn’t conflict with Scots’ rugby program.
As rugby league and rugby union continue to compete for emerging talent, moves like this one — blending schoolboy union with NRL development — could become more visible in the seasons ahead.
For now, Scots supporters can look forward to seeing Lote-Felo in action when the First XV season resumes, with expectations high that the Queensland recruit will make an immediate impact.
A luxury residence in Bellevue Hill, owned by a stakeholder in the Manly Sea Eagles, remains on the market with a revised guide price of $16.5–$17.5 million.
A five-bedroom home in Bellevue Hill is still for sale after an earlier campaign did not result in a transaction. The property at 5 Bulkara Road was first marketed in October 2024 with expectations exceeding $20 million. The guide price has since been adjusted to between $16.5 million and $17.5 million.
The home is owned by Michele Brooks, the wife of Andrew Michael, a part-owner of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Michael shares ownership of the NRL club with chairman Scott Penn. Records show the couple acquired the site in 1997 for $1.575 million. The residence was rebuilt and later underwent significant renovations approximately a decade ago.
Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
Michael has worked in the fashion sector for more than four decades and is currently a director at the Apparel Group. He and his wife recently purchased a penthouse in Elizabeth Bay for $24 million.
Property Features and Layout
The home, designed by Arent & Pyke, offers single-level open-plan living. It contains five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bespoke home office, and a marble kitchen with a butler’s pantry. Outdoor features include multiple courtyards and an in-ground swimming pool.
Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
Access is available via a landscaped stairway or a garage-connected inclinator. The property spans a 967-square-metre block on a sought-after street.
Location and Views
Located in a prominent part of Bellevue Hill, the home provides views over Double Bay, the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney city skyline, and Bondi Junction. It is also close to several leading private schools in the eastern suburbs.
The Scots College in Bellevue Hill officially opened the John Cunningham Student Centre—a new facility that blends heritage architecture with contemporary educational design. The building, years in the making, represents a major addition to the Bellevue Hill campus and a key milestone in the school’s long-term vision for student learning and wellbeing.
The Centre’s architectural style draws inspiration from the 16th-century Scottish Baronial tradition, chosen specifically to reflect both the heritage of the College and the evolving needs of modern education.
Photo credit: The Scots College/Facebook
“It has stood the test of time,” the school stated, referencing similar structures found across Scotland, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. Designed as both a visual landmark and a functional space, the building serves as a modern-day castle for learning and connection.
“This Scottish design style highlights significant traits of the proposed student support programs within. The original concept of this style was as a fortified building, a defensible structure, a safe stronghold; in short, a sanctuary,” said Scots College.
Inside, the Centre offers a wide array of facilities, including activity-based workspaces that support collaborative learning, quiet ‘deep zones’ for independent study, and open social areas that encourage relationship-building and peer support.
It also houses consultation hubs, where students, families, educators, and allied health professionals can come together to provide integrated care. Conference rooms and advanced observation classrooms further support teacher training and global engagement.
Photo credit: The Scots College/Facebook
The project was formally launched with a sod-turning ceremony in March 2020, symbolising the start of a vision that would take shape over several years. Following planning approvals—including support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment despite objections from Woollahra Council and local residents—construction officially commenced nearly a year later.
With reported costs reaching $60 million—almost twice the original estimate—the development has attracted public criticism, with some questioning the necessity and scale of the undertaking, particularly in the context of broader educational and community needs.
Despite the debate, the completed Centre was celebrated with a series of events in March 2025, including a Tattoo performance honouring the College’s Scottish heritage.
From its ceremonial beginnings to its grand opening, the John Cunningham Student Centre now stands as both an architectural landmark and a symbol of Scots College’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, globally minded students prepared for life beyond school.
