The Dr Pamela Wall Centre Opens Its Doors for All to Enjoy
St Peter’s Woodlands cuts the ribbon on the Dr Pamela Wall Centre, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose theatre and sporting facility designed by EIW Architects, built by Cook Building and made possible by Dr Pamela Wall AO and the school community.
A space for creativity, performance and co-curricular opportunities, the new facility provides a professional home for St Peter’s Woodlands students to perform, create, and grow.
The Centre opens the door, or in this case, the curtain, to many exciting opportunities with access to a professionally designed theatre space featuring:
- Flat-floor proscenium arch stage space
- Seating for 428 patrons with retractable raked seating
- Motorised trussing system featuring four individual bars of LED theatre lighting
- Alex Steinbach grand piano
- A professional Dante audio and line array system
- Cyclorama for full-stage projection and lighting
- Baddams Gallery & Foyer with serving kitchen facility, ideal for hosting, with foyer doors opening onto the beautiful Nutter Thomas Lawns for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining during the warmer months.
Beyond the curtain, this will also bring a new opportunity that has not previously been available to students, allowing them to explore and learn the technical side of theatre production, including sound, lighting and backstage operations.
From side stage to the sidelines, the retractable seating transforms from an arts space to reveal a state-of-the-art gym facility underneath, with polished hardwood floors and dedicated equipment and lines for ball sports and court games including:
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Pickleball
- Gymnastics
- Group Fitness, Yoga & Mat Pilates
Purpose built for performances, activities and events, the Dr Pamela Wall Centre is a transformative space that reflects our commitment to providing exceptional learning environments where every child can thrive. The Centre also features the Baddams Gallery, a dedicated exhibition space designed to celebrate student creativity, with a flexible picture railing system and adjustable lighting that allows artworks to be professionally displayed throughout the year.
Architecturally designed for form and function
Designed by EIW Architects Director Chris Morley, the multi-purpose, climate-controlled Centre intersects traditional heritage features with state-of-the-art functionality.
Capturing sweeping natural light, the foyer welcomes visitors inside with textured finishes and a fluid lighting feature that reflects the versatility of the building. Designed to adapt to a wide range of performances, exhibitions, gatherings and community events, the space can evolve effortlessly to suit different audiences and purposes.
Movement is key to the design, yet functionality draws its inspiration from our students who unfurl as they grow and develop, with retractable seating that transforms the space into something entirely different with minimal effort and time.
Inside where the magic happens, the eye is naturally drawn towards the proscenium arch stage, a defining feature that anchors the Centre and its many functions. The beautiful red curtain provides a traditional theatre experience and operates at the push of a button, while the rear of the theatre opens to another expansive green area that provides a blank canvas for outdoor performances, events and much more.
EIW Architects delivered above and beyond their brief with a design that strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and heritage architecture with our two buildings, the existing Law Smith building and now the Dr Pamela Wall Centre co-existing to complement, rather than compete with one another.
Dr Pamela Wall AO, the heart behind the Centre
The Dr Pamela Wall Centre is named in honour of Old Scholar Dr Pamela “Pammie” Wall, whose connection with St Peter’s Woodlands began when she boarded at Woodlands CEGGS in the 1940s. It was here that she formed lifelong friendships and experienced the supportive community that helped shape her formative years.
Known for her warmth, generosity and commitment to giving back, Pammie has dedicated much of her life to supporting causes that enrich the lives of others. As one of South Australia’s most colourful and committed Philanthropist, Pammie established The Ian and Pamela Wall Foundation in 1999 with a key mission to make the arts accessible to all South Australians.
Since then, Pammie has well and truly delivered on this mission with donations to Her Majesty’s Theatre, The Adelaide Festival Centre, Carrick Hill, St Mark’s College and The University of Adelaide with ongoing philanthropic efforts that have strengthened South Australia’s Arts and Education sectors for years to come.
Her gift to St Peter’s Woodlands reflects both her enduring connection to the school and her belief in creating opportunities for future generations. Through her generosity, students will benefit from a vibrant and adaptable space designed to inspire learning, creativity and connection.
“Some of my fondest memories were made at this school and I hope my contribution to the new multi-purpose Centre will deliver an outstanding facility that brings students joy for generations to come.” she said.
Pammie’s donation has made the Dr Pamela Wall Centre possible with students and the broader community now able to experience a state-of-the-art theatre and sporting facility in their backyard, the seaside suburb of Glenelg.
A community effort
Pammie’s generous donation built on the funds raised by the St Peter’s Woodlands Foundation and the old scholar and the school community during the 2023 inaugural Giving Day.
Without the hard work, generous donations and community spirit propelling this project, the Dr Pamela Wall Centre would not be possible.
A place for memories, with space for all
Much like a performance, the Dr Pamela Wall Centre has been rehearsing, perfecting and is now ready to welcome students and the broader community to take centre stage.
To hire the Dr Pamela Wall Centre email:
[email protected] or phone 08 7221 6221
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