Meet some of the Collaboration team
UPDATE: 6 June 2025
Project Generation, the entity established to deliver The Centre for Jewish Life, including a new, consolidated Mount Scopus Memorial College campus, has today met a long-awaited milestone for the Caulfield site.
The project, which is likely to be the most significant project undertaken for Australia’s Jewish community, and one of the largest educational developments in Victoria, has appointed a collaboration of leading local and international architects to undertake the design and master planning phase.
The collaboration will be led by established local firm MGS Architects and include Warren and Mahoney, Freadman White, Aspect Studios and the internationally acclaimed Studio Libeskind.
The appointment follows an extensive and rigorous selection process, undertaken by an independent panel, which attracted submissions from all over the world. The major build is intended to be a world class facility, incorporating global best practice sustainability and educational features. The development will also benefit members of the community who will have access to many of the facilities.
FAQs:
Why have you employed international firms when we have such amazing talent in Australia?
The collaboration is led by MGS Architects which is based in Melbourne. They have brought together an amazing collection of talented professionals which includes local and international expertise.
Can you explain the process for selection and why MGS was chosen over other submissions?
The selection process was undertaken by an independent expert panel who applied an extensive and rigorous decision making criteria. Ultimately, the evaluation process was based on information provided and scores were awarded as per the weightings provided. We were overwhelmed with the quality of submissions received and deeply appreciate the time and effort taken by all to contribute to the process.
How will the stakeholder engagement take place and when?
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 everyone who contributed to and we 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.
How can I be involved in the next stage of consultation?
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.
What efforts will be made to protect the heritage buildings and trees on the existing site?
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.
How will the legacy of Mount Scopus be protected and reflected in a new school?
All submissions were requested to consider the significant history and legacy of the original Mt 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.
Having a famous international architect involved must increase the cost of the project substantially. How will that impact school fees for current and future parents?
Our selection process was extremely competitive and we were comfortable with all aspects of the winning submission, including cost considerations.
How did you get Daniel Liebskind involved in the project?
We are absolutely thrilled to have Daniel Libeskind involved in the project and are extremely grateful to MGS Architects who lead the collaboration and have brought the group 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 his decision to be involved.