Cairns High School in Far North Queensland was first built in 1917.
The Queensland Government’s Renewing Our Schools Program delivered a new multipurpose hall at this school.
Named after an Indigenous elder, the hall is now open for business, providing benefits for the wider community.
Designed by TPG Architects, the world-class $12 million Centennial Hall had been designed to cater to sports, performing arts, and community events.
Cairns MP Michael Healy and Education Minister Grace Grace officially opened the hall, joined by the grandson of the elder whom the building is named after.
“Centennial Hall has been called ‘Bou-wa’, which commemorates a Yidinji Indigenous elder at the time the school was established in 1917,” Mr Healy said.
This recognition of Indigenous heritage reflects the school’s respect for First Nations peoples and their strong connection to the land.
The project supported 36 local jobs and 12 apprentices which was a great boost to the local economy in Far North Queensland.
Bou-wa features three sports courts, a stage, foyer and box office, and other amenities. It can accommodate the entire student body for assemblies and events.
School Principal Chris Zilm said the new hall was of a world-class standard.
“The hall is open to community bookings and is our largest indoor events space,” Mr Zilm said.
“It has already hosted Muay Thai martial arts sessions and we’ve received lots of inquiries, one for a ball next year and others for cultural festivals.”
“It’s a great support for our centres of excellence in basketball, music, dance, drama, and visual arts.”
“The 66 by 36 metre floorspace opens to our training pool, oval and change room facilities and the stage can accommodate our whole school orchestra.”
TPG Architects were engaged by the successful Design and Construct builder to provide documentation and thereafter full service.
Project Details
Completion Date – 2021
Project Team
Architecture
TPG Architects
TPG Architects’ directors have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. With numerous projects in North Queensland, from the Whitsundays to PNG, the firm has extensive experience in sustainable commercial, community, educational, residential, and resort developments.
Photography
Andrew Watson Photography
Andrew Watson is a North Queensland-based commercial, corporate, and editorial photographer.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2022 TPG Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2022 Andrew Watson. All Rights Reserved.
The Builtworks Quest
At Builtworks, we’re on a multi-year quest to document, showcase, and spotlight the best of Australia’s built environment.
That’s why we’re creating this comprehensive online archive and educational resource that showcases a diverse and eclectic range of project types and scales.
Together with showcasing older exemplars of enduring merit, we spotlight and celebrate new and recent additions to Australia’s built environment.