B U I L D I N G . . .
- John Evans
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 15
Understanding the Complexities of Building on Educational Campuses
At CommProp Group, we work closely with private schools across Australia to deliver educational facilities that meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and communities. Through our unique experience, we’ve identified a consistent set of challenges facing schools when embarking on new capital works or campus upgrades. Building on Educational Campuses has challenges.
While each school has its own context and aspirations, the pressures of delivering modern, future-proofed infrastructure are remarkably consistent across the sector.
Below, we’ve outlined the key issues we regularly see, and account for, when advising and delivering in this space.
1. Rising Construction Costs
Schools are feeling the impact of continued inflation in materials and labour, which is driving project costs upward. Compounding this are supply chain disruptions and shortages of critical materials such as structural steel, timber, and HVAC components, which adds significant risk to both timelines and budgets.
Projects requiring specialist facilities, such as; science labs, music rooms, and/or performing arts theatres, also attract premium costs and require detailed planning and technical expertise.
2. Regulatory and Planning Approvals
Private school campuses, particularly those located in established residential neighbourhoods, face increasing scrutiny during the planning and development application (DA) process. Strict zoning regulations, heritage overlays, and limits on height and floor space can restrict what’s possible on site.
Additionally, traffic, parking, and noise impacts often draw the most objections from neighbours, making early engagement and a clear planning strategy critical to success.
3. Funding and Capital Constraints
Unlike the public system, private schools must fund their capital works independently, through fees, loans, and philanthropic giving. In today’s uncertain economic climate, donor fatigue and limited access to affordable finance can constrain even the most well-intentioned projects.
School boards are rightfully cautious about taking on long-term financial risk, and are increasingly looking for staged, cost-effective delivery models that allow flexibility and future-proofing.
4. Designing for Future-Proofing and Flexibility
Today’s school facilities must be agile and adaptable to support evolving pedagogical approaches. From collaborative learning spaces to tech-enabled classrooms, schools are designing buildings that support flexibility for both now and into the future.
This means integrating robust digital infrastructure, sustainability measures, and inclusive design, often within both tight spatial and financial constraints.
5. Sustainability and Compliance
Schools are under pressure to deliver facilities that meet or exceed sustainability benchmarks such as NABERS and Green Star ratings. This requires early design thinking and investment in energy efficiency, material selection, and water management strategies.
Compliance standards also continue to shift, with new expectations around fire safety, accessibility (DDA compliance), and climate resilience all adding to the baseline requirements for any project.
6. Minimising Disruption to School Operations
Schools rarely have the luxury of a vacant site. Delivering capital works in an active campus environment means projects must be staged carefully, often around term breaks or in holidays.
Maintaining separation between students and construction zones, ensuring OH&S compliance, and keeping school operations running smoothly requires detailed programming and close contractor coordination.
7. Stakeholder Management
Successful school projects demand more than technical delivery. They require alignment and buy-in from a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. School boards, executive teams and committees, business managers, parent groups, alumni, and staff all have a role to play.
In many cases, external community consultation is also essential, particularly when a school is expanding, acquiring neighbouring properties, or modifying local infrastructure and traffic flows.
8. Competition and Reputation Risk
Educational facilities are a visible expression of a school’s brand and reputation. Parents and prospective families assess not only academic outcomes but the quality and appeal of the existing and future built environments.
As a result, new builds must support the school’s strategic positioning, whether that’s tradition, innovation, excellence, or inclusion.
Equally, project missteps such as budget overruns or poor communication can carry reputational risk and impact enrolment confidence.
Our Approach
At CommProp Group, we don’t just deliver buildings, we help schools develop strategic, sustainable, and community-aligned campus solutions. Our teams are deeply experienced in educational environments and take a proactive, advisory-led approach to resolving the complexities of each project.
We understand that every school is unique. That’s why we tailor our service to support your goals, engage your community, and deliver built outcomes that truly support learning for the next generation.
If you're planning new facilities or reviewing your master plan, we’d love to talk.
Let’s build the future of education, together.
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