New Classrooms and Gym Planned for Padua College’s Kedron Campus

Padua College is planning the next stage of its La Cordelle redevelopment, with a three-level extension proposed to add more learning and sporting space at its Kedron campus.



The Stage 2 plans would expand the existing La Cordelle Building at the college’s Assisi Campus, building on the first stage completed last year. New classrooms, multi-purpose rooms and sporting facilities form the centre of the proposal, alongside covered outdoor areas and supporting campus infrastructure.

Photo Credit: DA/A007059398

BCC records show Padua College Limited submitted the application on 2 July 2026, with Planning Initiatives listed as consultant. The proposal covers an extension to the existing educational establishment at 100 Turner Road.

Brisbane school
Photo Credit: DA/A007059398

More Room For Learning And Sport

The proposed extension would sit immediately west of the existing La Cordelle Building, over the site of a basketball court. Plans include a gymnasium, sports office, change rooms, amenities and a covered outdoor area on the lower level. Five general learning areas are proposed above, while the upper floor would contain two multi-purpose rooms and a kitchenette.

The building would rise to about 15 metres and would also include circulation areas, plant infrastructure, landscaping and six additional car spaces. Padua College has put forward the extension for its existing student population rather than as part of an increase of 100 student places. The former Franciscan Friary and the heritage fence are not proposed for demolition under the current plans.

La Cordelle Building
Photo Credit: DA/A007059398

The new stage follows the earlier La Cordelle works, which had been under construction for just over 12 months by July 2025. At that point, Padua College was preparing to open new construction workshops, design classrooms, clean technology spaces and a covered outdoor area for students.

The first stage also expanded the college hall by 50 per cent and added air-conditioning. Padua College said the upgraded learning areas would support courses including ATAR Engineering for Year 11 students from 2026.

Padua College
Photo Credit: DA/A007059398

Stage 2 Moves Through Assessment

The current proposal remains under assessment, with BCC listing application A007059398 as in progress. The application became properly made on 16 July 2026, and BCC issued an information request on 6 August. No decision notice has yet been recorded.



Council lists 16 Jardine Street and 31 Wayland Street as associated properties alongside the main Turner Road site. If approved, Stage 2 would continue the recent expansion of La Cordelle with a mix of general learning, multi-purpose and sporting spaces brought together in one new three-level addition to the Kedron campus.

Updated 29-September-2026

From Carrots To Chords: Padua College Showcases Music And Gardening At Open Day

Padua College in Brisbane’s northside suburb of Kedron is inviting families to explore its campuses and programs at the annual Open Day on Sunday, 25 May. Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event offers student-led tours, classroom displays, live performances and the chance to meet staff and students.



Music That Starts In Year 5

Music is part of the foundation at Padua College, with every Year 5 student joining a Music Immersion Program that includes learning an instrument. This early start has led to strong outcomes, including several perfect scores in Music Extension over the past two years.

Padua leads the Franciscan Colleges Instrumental Program, partnering with Mount Alvernia College and St Anthony’s School to offer shared lessons, ensembles and concerts that support musical growth across all three communities.

A School Garden With Purpose

Behind the classrooms, a sustainable garden grows carrots, lemons and snow peas, reflecting Padua College’s Franciscan heritage and its focus on caring for the environment.

Gardening Club students help grow produce and care for the space, building life skills and a sense of responsibility through hands-on, community-focused learning.

A Tour Led By Students

Open Day visitors will tour the Greccio and Assisi campuses with current students, gaining insight into daily life at Padua. Displays in science, the arts and humanities will offer a hands-on look at classroom learning.

The event will feature music and drama performances, showcasing Padua’s co-curricular programs. Staff and College Rector Peter Elmore will be on hand to discuss the school’s mission and values.

Enrolling With Values In Mind

Padua College’s focus goes beyond academics, aiming to develop the whole person. Its “Developing Good Men” approach is reflected in programs that support leadership, wellbeing and service.



Families can explore more about Padua College by attending the Open Day. For enquiries, email enrolments@padua.qld.edu.au or call (07) 3857 9915. Those unable to attend can book a Rector’s Tour, available throughout the year.

Published 13-May-2025

Teacher Recruitment a Growing Concern for Brisbane Schools

Earlier this year, Mount Alvernia College in Kedron lost a specialist teacher and had to temporarily run classes after school, simply because of lack of teacher availability to deliver the course content.


Read: Locals at Odds Over Kedron State High School’s New Security Fence


The Catholic school for girls joins many other Brisbane schools that are now dealing with teacher shortages, adding extra strain to already stretched resources. 

Recruitment is taking up huge amounts of time according to principal Samantha Jensen. She believes there is a real possibility for the teacher workforce crisis to worsen.

Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Google Maps

According to a 2023 report by school workforce improvement company People Bench, “supply” has emerged as one of the factors that could have the greatest negative impact on the school workforce over the next three years.

Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

One principal surveyed in March-May 2023 said the increased competition for qualified teachers will make it harder to attract and retain staff.

“The most striking of these findings was that the most commonly cited supply issues (21% of responses) related to the availability of teachers on a casual, relief and short-term contract basis,” People Bench stated.

“An interesting counterpoint to this, however, is that around 6% of responses referenced candidates’ increasing expectations for more part-time and flexible work options, which schools were unable to meet, further constraining potential supply.”

In an issues paper, the Education Department highlighted that this is a global problem, with the competitive teaching market and COVID-19 ongoing impacts affecting teacher supply worldwide.


Read: Community Outcry Over Brisbane Racing Club’s Plans for Former Stafford Bowls Club Site


The paper outlined that addressing shortages cannot be solved by one jurisdiction or sector alone, but requires collaboration across governments, systems and schools.

Published 15-August-2023