Frequently Asked Questions

Project Generation is a dedicated not for profit entity established as a joint venture between Mount Scopus Memorial College (Mount Scopus) and the Scopus Foundation. Its purpose is to plan and execute the vision for the Centre for Jewish Life, including the development of a consolidated Mount Scopus campus at a new site in Caulfield. This multi-generational project has the potential to become one of the most significant developments for Australia’s Jewish community and one of the largest educational projects in the country.

The Centre for Jewish Life will be a major development in the heart of Caulfield, home to Australia’s largest Jewish community. The precinct, within walking distance of Caulfield Station, will include:

• Sports, wellness and aquatic amenities
• Music and performing arts spaces
• A synagogue
• A library
• Adult education facilities
• Community gathering spaces
• A new consolidated Mount Scopus College

By offering shared facilities, the precinct will provide a safe and welcoming environment that supports social cohesion and strengthens community connection.

The project will redevelop land on the western side of Caulfield Racecourse into a vibrant community hub offering sporting, cultural and educational facilities.

It will also create a new home for Mount Scopus College, Australia’s largest Jewish day school and one of Victoria’s oldest Jewish schools. Students from three separate campuses will be united for the first time in one purpose-built learning facility, close to where over 95 per cent live with their families.

The precinct will offer facilities, spaces and events that meet the needs of different life stages. It will help bring people together as they go about their everyday lives, providing a space for learning, connection and community for generations to come. Click here to see a Day in the Life example (link).

Security is central to the planning and design of the Centre for Jewish Life. From the outset, the project has been guided by leading local and international security experts, working closely with Jewish communal and school security specialists to ensure that relevant expertise informs every stage. Best-practice measures have been embedded into both the design of the precinct and its operational planning.

Recognising the specific requirements of Jewish community infrastructure and contemporary educational environments, bespoke security measures have been developed for this project. The design integrates global best-practice security discreetly and effectively, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all community members.

The Centre for Jewish Life is progressing through five key phases:

1. Masterplan (completed)
2. Concept Design/Town Planning (underway)
3. Detailed Design (upcoming)
4. Construction  (future)

An independent architect selection process was undertaken in 2025, resulting in a consortium that brings together local and international expertise across education, civic architecture, landscape design and culturally significant buildings.

MGS Architects are leading the consortium, bringing together this talented group of professionals while having completed the masterplan and overseeing overall design coordination. They have extensive experience in masterplans, public spaces, schools and universities and are designing a precinct that is functional, sustainable, flexible, long-lasting, and strategically connected to the broader community.

Warren and Mahoney contribute expertise in contemporary sports and recreation precincts along with leading architectural design input

Freadman White provides architectural refinement and technical rigour.

Aspect Studios leads landscape architecture, designing outdoor learning areas, communal spaces and green infrastructure.

Studio Libeskind contributes to the design of key landmark buildings.

Yes. Daniel Libeskind is part of the architectural team, providing overarching design input and focusing on the design of the iconic buildings. His involvement brings internationally recognised expertise in culturally significant architecture.

Community engagement: More than 500 community organisations were approached to provide input on the vision and site plans and to explore opportunities for partnership, tenancy, or collaboration within the precinct.

Educational engagement: More than 750 students, teachers, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents and community members have contributed through workshops, interviews, surveys and roundtables.

Consultation will continue throughout the remaining design and planning phases in 2026.

An Expression of Interest process commenced in 2025 to explore potential collaboration within the precinct. Confidential discussions with potential partners and tenants are continuing, with updates to be shared as arrangements are confirmed.

The architectural selection process included consideration of the unique aspects of the site, including heritage and environmental protections. The build will incorporate global best-practice sustainability features. Further updates will be provided as the planning and design evolves.

Funding is expected to come from a combination of:

• Divestment of land
• Philanthropic contributions
• Grants
• Partnerships

Parent school fees are not contributing to the funding of Project Generation.

The project is currently progressing through the design phases, with the masterplan completed and planning approvals underway. Detailed design and construction will follow, with first facilities anticipated to be operational in 2030. Plans from the design phase will be revealed later this year, with further updates shared as the project progresses.

Mount Scopus has a proud history as the first Jewish school in Melbourne, opening a small campus in East St Kilda in 1949, followed by Burwood in 1953. Currently, the College operates across three separate campuses at Burwood, St Kilda East and Caulfield South, which are 15km apart. This requires significant travel for students and staff and adds additional resources and costs to manage multiple sites.

Consolidating three campuses into a single purpose-built facility in Caulfield will unite the College community. More than 95% of students will be within 5km of home, reducing travel and bus fees, while enabling Mount Scopus to continue providing an outstanding Jewish values-based education for generations to come.

Yes. All three campuses will consolidate into one purpose-built facility.

In a major development, the Victorian Government has designated Mount Scopus Memorial College’s Gandel Campus in Burwood as one of seven sites across the state to receive a facilitated rezoning by the Minister for Planning. This was formally announced in April, with Burwood identified as a priority project.

High demand for the existing campuses’ land is expected. Options for repurposing the sites are being considered and will be shared once confirmed.

Extensive input has been collected from the College and broader community over the past eight months. Over 750 students, staff, alumni, parents, grandparents and community organisations contributed ideas through workshops, interviews, surveys and roundtables. Further engagement with the school leadership team will continue during the design phase, with additional information provided on how the community can contribute.

The project is not funded by parent fees. Questions regarding College fees should be directed to the College.

All architectural design briefs were required to consider the significant history and legacy of Mount Scopus and the Jewish community, which has been operating for more than 70 years in Melbourne. This legacy will be meaningfully embedded in the final design.

Updates on the next consultation phase will be provided on the Project Generation website. Community members can register for updates or submit questions via the contact page.