A Space for Creativity, Community and Calling - The Lakes College Celebrates New Performing Arts Precinct and Gym

The Lakes College community recently gathered to celebrate the official opening of its new Performing Arts Precinct and Strength & Conditioning Gym, a significant milestone that reflects not only growth in facilities, but a deep commitment to nurturing the whole person.

This special occasion brought together key members of the College and wider Uniting Church community, including Grant Weaver, Executive Director of Synod Services for The Uniting Church in Australia (Qld Synod).

In addressing guests, the College Principal, Nicole Gregory, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the development, the realisation of a long-held dream nurtured over more than two decades by a community that has consistently valued the transformative power of the arts. “This building is a testament to the passion, persistence and power of arts education at our College over the past 21 years,” Nicole shared. “Music, Drama, Dance, Media and Visual Arts have an extraordinary ability to engage, challenge and transform young people.”

From humble beginnings, where staff and tutors created opportunities for students in whatever spaces were available, the College now celebrates a purpose-built home that brings together a thriving and growing arts community. “It honours the hard work of the past while providing a platform for the present and the future,” Nicole said.

Importantly, the design of the precinct reflects the voices of those who will use it most. Students expressed a desire for spaces that felt like home, places where they could create, collaborate, record and share their work. These ideas were carefully listened to and brought to life through thoughtful design. Educators, too, envisioned spaces that would allow learning, performance and creativity to flourish, not only within the College, but as something to be shared with the wider community.

Alongside the Performing Arts Precinct, the opening also marked a new chapter in student wellbeing with the addition of a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Gym, a space that promotes health, strength and resilience.

For Nicole, the moment held personal significance. “As a former Dance and Drama teacher, I’ve waited 35 years to teach in a bespoke performing arts facility,” she shared. “While great art can be created anywhere, purpose-built spaces lift what’s possible to new heights.”

The evening was not only a celebration of buildings, but of community, of shared vision, generosity and faith in the future of young people. As the College community looks ahead, the hope is clear: that this new space will honour the rich history of the arts while inspiring creativity, connection and character for many years to come.

Watch as TLC students enter the new building for the first time: https://vimeo.com/1167605786
(Video courtesy of McLellan & Bush Architects & Grizzley Bear Media)