The Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW is to get a brand new, purpose-built theological college.

Approval for development and design of the new Presbyterian Theological Centre on the site of the current college in Sydney’s Burwood has just been received and PCNSW is ready to proceed to construction. As well as the college, the $30 million development will also include independent living for seniors.

Development Manager, John Ishak, says shovels might hit dirt as early as March 2012. “This is a once in a lifetime development,” he said, “an opportunity to literally build from the ground up the ‘engine room’ of the Church, so that it responds to the wonderful growth in student numbers, through the provision of modern purpose built facilities, for training leaders in the church for years to come.

“We are very excited that our long term plan to rebuild the PTC is coming to fruition and not before time. The current college is bursting at the seams.”

The Development Application for the new college and independent living units was lodged in early 2011 with approval granted in May 2011.

Funding approval has since been received, and PCNSW is now in the final stages of preparing marketing material and sourcing pre- commitments for the independent living units (ILU) prior to finalising the construction certificate, appointing key consultants and tendering for builders in preparation for a site start next year.

While the excitement level builds to the day when the first sod is turned, the next steps in the development cycle will be approached with a strong level of commitment and focus on risk mitigation.

Mr Ishak said the uncertain economic climate nationally and globally needed to be put into context. “PCNSW General Manager, Wayne Richards recently pointed out that the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Scots Church Sydney were both built during the Great Depression,” he said.\

“The circumstances may be different, but God’s timing is perfect. Our focus on the end result, and attention to achieving the best outcome for the denomination, will hold us in good stead to see Christ honoured and the Church blessed through this important ministry of training our future leaders.”

PTC Principal, Dr Ian Smith said it had been wonderful to see the way that God answered prayers in regard to this project. “We have received approval from the government and regulatory authorities and from the relevant church bodies,” he said. “As we enter the next stage where the plans will turn into bricks and mortar, we ask people to continue to join us in prayer for this important step in the development of the PTC. It will be great for the PTC to be able to function in a purpose-built facility, equipped for 21st century teaching and with room to accommodate our current and future needs."

The final approved scheme is a marked improvement on the previous design and really sets a new standard with the innovative design of the 2,300 sqm PTC over four levels, including a two level library (capacity for over 100,000 books), the 300 seat hall/chapel, expansive dining and lounge area, outdoor seating, 15 college car spaces as well as a future six shared car spaces, and converted heritage building accommodating reception, administration, meeting and lecture rooms. The College entrance will be off Clarence St.

Seniors Independent Living Units

The $30million development also includes a nine storey (42 unit) seniors independent living tower with 48 car spaces.

The seniors units will be owned jointly by the Trustees and the TEC, and operated by Presbyterian Aged Care.The seniors component of the development will ensure the PTC is completely funded from within the capacity of the project.The staging of the development will provide the opportunity to continue operating the college during the building phase.

With the entrance off Shaftsbury Rd, which is the current main entrance to the PTC, the seniors independent living units (seniors ILU) will provide individuals and couples with the opportunity to be part of what recent market research has indicated, is in short supply in Burwood and surrounding suburbs.

The research stated that “the majority of the villages are older style with dated designs and unit sizes compared with the current demand for retirement villages in general.”

Readers of The Pulse and their friends are invited to register their interest in the seniors ILU development, by contacting Church Offices either through email or the number below.

The approved scheme for the seniors ILU development consists of 42 quality appointed units over 9 levels of one, two and three bedrooms, including three penthouse units of three bedrooms. Community facilities including a recreation area, terraces and gardens will be located on the ground floor facing Shaftesbury Road.

The units range in size from 70 – 136smq, with the average size being 105sqm of internal area. Balconies are between 5–66 sqm in size with the average being 19 sqm.

Every unit has a private and secure car space located in the basement with two lift wells (4 lifts) servicing the seniors ILU.

The seniors ILU will operate separately to the Theological College, which has its own parking and lift access.The front entrances are separate for both facilities with Shaftesbury Road servicing the seniors ILU and Clarence St the PTC.

A waiting list application is available to be sent out and with the $200 waiting list fee will ensure that interested people receive specific information relating to the seniors development as well as secure priority for their new home.

The waiting list fee is fully refundable if a prospective resident requests to be removed from the waiting list, or can be deducted from the ingoing contribution paid when successfully settling in.

For further info, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 02 9690 9333.