As we Honour the Past, Treasure the Present, and Shape the Future we look back on IGS’s forty years of locations.
Aston Lodge, 20 Stanley Street, Randwick NSW 2031
It all began in 1984 at the Little Sisters of the Poor convent. The intention was to lease the building with the opportunity to buy, however this didn’t come to fruition. Before the school year had ended, the hunt was on for a new space.
508-528 Riley Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Just in time for the 1985 school year, IGS found a second home at the former factory for Elizabeth Arden cosmetics. Owing to financial troubles, the NSW Supreme Court ordered the foreclosure of the property, turning out teachers and students on the first day of Term 3 1986. IGS bought the property in April 1987, after the high school was certified. It was sold in 1995, before the School moved to Kelly Street.
5 Thames Street, Balmain NSW 2041
As enrolments expanded in the early 90s, the number of students spilled over. Formerly a Catholic high school, this location housed Years 11 and 12, leaving high school teachers to travel between Riley Street and Balmain.
4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
The burnt out husk of a woolstore, IGS found its home here. Officially opened on 9 August 1997 by the Principal at the time, David Wright. The main campus of IGS, it is constantly reinvented. It expanded to include the Wright (1999) and Kerrie Murphy Buildings (2011). The Colleagues’ Lounge, Bibliothèque, and Centre for the Dramatic Arts opened in 2020 and a new Kindergarten Centre is underway, scheduled to open in 2025.
26-28 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
Acquired in 2004 and opened in 2005, this former warehouse provided purpose-built facilities for Year 11 and 12 students. Work on the adjacent Renaissance Centre began in 2022, officially opening on 9 April 2024.
77-79 Bay Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
Acquired in 2016, these buildings serve as the Visual Arts studio and Business Office respectively.
The Retreat Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
As of 2023, IGS has a dedicated space for outdoor education. While works are underway to expand its capacity for use, for now, it is a peaceful space for day trips.
And the adventure continues.
Thank You to Alexandra Peters for her previous research on IGS and its past locations.
References
International Grammar School 2014, Learning Journeys: 30 Years of International Grammar School.