Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future: From Baddams Hall to the Dr Pamela Wall Centre
St Peter’s Woodlands is embarking on an exciting journey as we prepare to say farewell to Baddams Hall, a building steeped in history and cherished by generations of students, and welcome the Dr Pamela Wall Centre, a state-of-the-art theatre, sport and multi-purpose facility that will inspire creativity and collaboration for years to come.
The Legacy of Baddams Hall
Baddams Hall has been a cornerstone of our school since its opening on 7 December 1979, the same year Miss Thenie Baddams AM, retired as Headmistress of Woodlands Church of England Girls’ Grammar School (1964–1979). The hall was named in her honour, reflecting her profound impact on the school and its community.
Before Baddams Hall, the site was home to a ballroom and conservatory built by the Law Smith family, who lived at Woodlands and hosted concerts, plays, and grand balls for their friends. From 1923, the space transitioned into a hub for Woodlands students, hosting physical activities, public examinations, and drama performances. In 1979, this original structure was replaced by the current Baddams Hall, which later underwent refurbishments in 2005 and became a gymnasium in 2006.
For decades, Baddams Hall has been a gathering place for learning, celebration, the arts, sport and connection. It’s a space where countless memories were made, and its history is deeply interwoven with the fabric of our school.
A Vision for the Future: The Dr Pamela Wall Centre
As we look forward, the Dr Pamela Wall Centre will replace Baddams Hall, ushering in a new era of opportunity for our school community and those yet to come. This remarkable facility will be a theatre, sports, and multi-purpose centre designed to accommodate the evolving needs of our students and community.
The centre is named in recognition of Dr Pamela Wall OAM, whose record-breaking philanthropic donation has made this ambitious project possible. Dr Wall’s extraordinary generosity reflects her passion for education, her commitment to SPW, and her desire to support the next generation to come.
The modern facility will include spaces for performing arts, sports, and community events, ensuring that it becomes a vibrant hub of activity and creativity. This aligns with our vision of fostering well-rounded, confident individuals who are prepared to thrive in a changing world.
Continuing the Tradition of Giving
The construction of the Dr Pamela Wall Centre is a testament to the enduring generosity of our SPW community and the invaluable support of the SPW Foundation and contributions to our building fund. The 2023 Day of Extraordinary Giving Day was instrumental in bringing this project to life, demonstrating the collective commitment to shaping a bright future for our students.
Saying Goodbye to Baddams Hall
As we bid farewell to Baddams Hall, we honour the memories it holds and the history it represents. This is more than a transition from one building to another—it’s a celebration of our past and a leap toward an exciting future.
The demolition of Baddams Hall will begin over the summer holidays, marking the start of this transformative project. We look forward to keeping our community updated on the progress of the Dr Pamela Wall Centre and sharing milestones along the way.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue this exciting journey together, building on our heritage while embracing a future full of possibility.
