Description

Hester Hornbrook Academy City Campus transforms two levels of what was an existing office building into a vibrant educational hub.

Completed in 2025 by Gray Puksand, this 2,100-square-metre campus serves over 300 students and staff, offering a space designed for inclusion, wellbeing and learning. With Melbourne’s high CBD office vacancy rate, this initiative responds creatively by repurposing commercial space as community infrastructure, showing architecture’s power to foster a generous city.

Each corner is thoughtfully crafted: classrooms, student support areas and communal zones are tailored for young people who have faced barriers to education, including homelessness and disrupted schooling. Distinct ‘learning neighbourhoods,’ calming colour palettes, breakout spaces, sensory rooms, and a mural by Wemba Wemba artist Emma Bamblett all contribute to a sense of healing and belonging. The design approach reflects empathy and equity, transforming the building into a place where everyone is welcome and supported.

What's On

Come to Hester Hornbrook Academy City Campus for a day of events. Join for a panel discussion in the morning moderated by Gray Puksand partner and national education lead Mark Freeman. Featuring the Gray Puksand design team and Glen Dyke, head of property development for Hester Hornbrook Academy and Sally Lasslett, principal of Hester Hornbrook Academy, the conversation will explore how the campus’s adaptive reuse delivers inspiring outcomes and embodies the Generous City ethos.

Then, you can join a guided tour for firsthand insight into the design features that promote inclusion, wellbeing and learning, highlighting creative use of space, colour, and connection. Attendees will learn about the challenges and opportunities of repurposing office space for education and community benefit.

Special programming will include discussions on how architecture and design can create spaces that support young people overcoming significant life barriers. The event invites participation and knowledge-sharing, and accessibility is a priority, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.

In Collaboration With:

• 

  Mark Freeman, Gray Puksand

  Mark is the Gray Puksand Education Sector lead, with twenty-five years’ experience in the planning, design and delivery of progressive, award-winning and responsive learning environments and campus assets. With projects spanning all stages of learning, from early years, primary and secondary, through to skills training facilities and university settings, Mark is conversant with the spatial, functional, operational and pedagogical elements of contemporary learning.

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  Sally Lasslett

  Sally is the Principal of The Hester Hornbrook Academy and has been an educational leader in a variety of school settings and roles for over 25 years. She has led school turnaround initiatives and significant educational outcome improvements in a large outer metro secondary school. Sally has advocated for the Department of Education to improve the reengagement opportunities and wellbeing resources available to schools, most particularly those in the outer metro fringe.

• 

  Glen Dyke

  Glen is the Head of Property Development at Melbourne City Mission. He has over 25 years’ experience in construction and project management and is passionate about delivering developments that have enduring value and create lasting impact.