A debate has spurred over the planned construction of an opulent Scots College library in Bellevue Hill. The deliberation over the $29 million project, which has been designed like a Scottish castle, has now been turned over to an independent panel after some sectors complained that the building could ruin the harbour views and worsen traffic problems in the area.
The college initially planned to demolish the existing Stevenson Library, constructed in 1988, and replace this with a five-storey castle with pitched roof, tower, castellations and grand bay windows reminiscent of Scottish Baronial architecture. On top of the external designs, the new building will also include a 100-set theatre, a grand hall and a dining area.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Photo Credit: Independent Planning Commission
According to school officials, the current building lacks the amenities needed to support the students’ learning environment.
“This Scottish design style highlights significant traits of the proposed student support programs within,” the school stated following the announcement of its plans to redevelop the library.
“The original concept of this style was as a fortified building, a defensible structure, a safe stronghold; in short, a sanctuary. In the Scots context, it embodies a safe place for boys. It is a building looking out for the boys, a lighthouse for them visible from all parts of the College.”
However, due to the volume of submissions against the library’s construction, Woollahra Council turned over the development plans to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).
Residents complained that the new school library could further congest the neighbourhood. As it is, the college has more than 1,000 students thus it is over capacity.
Scots College, however, stated in its proposal that the library’s redevelopment will not have any impact on traffic or parking spaces. It has applied for a separate plan to develop a new parking space and drop-off area on Victoria Road.
The NSW Heritage Council also raised concerns against the building’s design.
“The complicated and more massive roof form with its high turret and dormer protrusions, and prominent balustrading to the roof terrace would overshadow and diminish Aspinall House,” the NSW Heritage Council’s statement read.
Scots College’s neighbor, the Barford Estate, also opposed the construction as it will compromise the views of the property.
“A number of the school’s buildings already project into the public and private viewshed from numerous vantage points. The proposed building presents an additional and unreasonable further intrusion. The proposed building design results in substantial loss of views and amenity for the Barford Estate,” a representative of the estate wrote the independent panel.
IPC has yet to make its decision as of press time. If approved, the new Scots College library will be set for completion in 2021 and will be funded by alumni donations and fund-raising efforts.