Frequently asked questions

We are working as fast and proficiently as possible to turn this concept into reality. Following an extensive selection process, a collaboration led by MGS Architects has been appointed to undertake the design and master planning for the site.  When we have further time frames to share we will post it on our website.

We plan to share the exact timeframe of the scope of works as they become available. Keep in touch with us for further updates.

It is our current intention to, at a minimum, house Prep-Year 12 on the new campus.

Our vision for the site is for it to be a true home for the community to share and use. That is why it will be known as The Centre for Jewish Life.

Our intention is for the Centre for Jewish life to incorporate: the Mount Scopus College Gandel Campus; a Sports Precinct; a Jewish Community Centre; a Centre for Adult Education; a Wellness Hub; a Centre for Creative Arts; and a Music and Performing Arts Precinct that will include a Performing Arts Complex. It will also have function venues, lecture theatres, cafes, a shule, a library and a whole range of other facilities. We have recently undertaken an EOI process to help us understand the interest from the community in being part of the precinct.

We are always happy to discuss how you can be involved in the project – please contact Tali Borowski at tborowski@scopus.vic.edu.au for a confidential discussion.

To sign up for regular updates, visit https://www.projectgeneration.org.au/contact/. To discuss the project in more detail, please contact Tali Borowski at tborowski@scopus.vic.edu.au

Our intention is to consolidate the three existing campuses onto the site. However, the precise details as to how or whether this will be achieved are yet to be determined.

The school facilities will be designed with the input of our senior management, the College’s lay leadership and professional consultants retained by the College.  We will also be seeking feedback from the entire Scopus Community including teachers, students, families, staff, and alumni.  We look forward to providing further information on how they can be involved.

This project will bring a renewed unity to all of the College’s endeavours: the potential consolidation of the three campuses will enhance cohesion, reduce cost for families by eliminating bus fees and provide new facilities for the future to replace old and inefficient facilities, all in an environmentally sustainable manner. The location in the centre of Melbourne’s Jewish heartland will bring the school and its families closer together by eliminating travelling distance, and state-of-the-art facilities will be available for the whole community to enjoy.

Over 150 organisations were approached about the project initially, inviting them to contribute to the vision as the site plans develop. Additional discussions were also held with local organisations outside of the Jewish community, and collaboration will continue as the project progresses. We have also researched local, state and federal government reports to help us understand current and projected areas of need, in relation to sporting and cultural areas.

The practical benefits of relocating the school will enable the amalgamation of resources, and our hope is that this project results in more Jewish children having the chance to receive a life-changing Jewish education. We expect school fees will be reduced substantially as a result of this move.

MGS Architects is a Melbourne based business.  Their submission has brought together a talented group of local and international professionals with specialist expertise in different areas.

The selection process was undertaken by an independent expert panel who applied an extensive decision-making criterion which included capability, experience, team, cost, understanding of Jewish life & brief and other factors. Ultimately, the evaluation process was based on information provided and scores were awarded as per the evaluation criteria.  We were overwhelmed with the quality of submissions received and deeply appreciate the time and effort taken by all to contribute to the process.

A community expression of interest (EOI) process has just concluded and we are currently reviewing the feedback which has been comprehensive.  We would like to thank those who contributed and look forward to keeping them updated on the project. The next phase of stakeholder engagement will include the school and wider community and will be undertaken in conjunction with the master planning design.

All submissions were requested to consider the unique aspects of the site, including heritage and environmental protections, and the build will incorporate global best practice sustainability features.  We look forward to providing further updates as the planning and design evolves.

All submissions were requested to consider the significant history and legacy of the original Mount Scopus school and Jewish community which has been operating for more than 70 years in Melbourne.  We are confident that this will be embedded in the final design and master plan.

The final decision was based on a rigorous selection process, including capability, experience, understanding of Jewish Life, cost, and other factors, and we are very confident that the appointment is in the best interests of the project.  While the College is excited to be planning our recently announced transition to Caulfield, it is important to highlight that this work, and the project itself, is not being funded by parent fees.

While we are very honoured and grateful that Daniel Libeskind is part of the architecture team, it’s important to clarify that his involvement will be limited to the design of iconic buildings for the project. Melbourne-based firm MGS Architects will be leading the masterplanning, which will include designing the site, the size and scale of buildings and landscaping. MGS Architects has extensive experience across both schools and universities (leading for masterplanning in Australia) and we believe they will be best placed to design a blueprint for a school and community hub that is functional, sustainable, flexible and long-lasting to look after the many generations of students and community members to come.

We are extremely grateful to MGS Architects who lead the collaboration and have brought this group of incredibly talented professionals together.  We also hope that the unique aspects of this project and the important role it will play in the future of the Jewish community in Melbourne may have influenced Daniel’s decision to be involved.

Project Generation is a separate entity established by Mount Scopus Memorial College and Mount Scopus Foundation.  Its purpose is to plan and execute the vision for The Centre for Jewish Life, including a new consolidated Mount Scopus Memorial College campus at a proposed new site in Caulfield.

Mount Scopus has a proud history of being the first Jewish School in Melbourne, opening a small campus in East St Kilda in 1949, followed by Burwood in 1953.  Currently, it has three separate campuses at Burwood, St Kilda East and Caulfield South, requiring travel between campuses for students and teachers and the additional resources and costs associated with multiple sites.

Maintaining and upgrading Burwood, the largest campus housing Years 4 – 6 and the secondary school, would require a significant investment over the coming years if it were to meet the educational and technological standards required for the future.

Caulfield is already home to a large proportion of the school community in Melbourne and the relocation and consolidation into one campus and community hub will benefit local Jewish residents and future generations to come.

A masterplan will develop the requirements, vision, principles and the overarching design of the Centre for Jewish Life, including a new consolidated Mount Scopus Memorial College campus at a proposed new site in Caulfield.

The Masterplan works as a blueprint and will guide the future delivery of the project, including individual buildings, landscape treatments and public realm.

The design team led by MGS Architects has been appointed as experts in education masterplanning and bring specialist expertise to the project. We expect this phase to be completed by the end of 2025.

We will continue to provide updates on the Project Generation website about the next consultation phase. You can also register for updates on our contact page.