Goodbye B Block

At the end of last term, we officially closed and emptied B Block at the Melton Campus and said a final goodbye to the College’s original building before demolition works began over the holidays.

Staff gathered to talk about the many different memories created in B Block and wrote farewell messages.

Interestingly, B Block was the first and only building on the site when the College opened as CRC Melton in 1980 with 57 students. 

This year, the building’s life came full circle, housing our inaugural Cobblebank students from February while they awaited the opening of their new campus.

Our 40th-anniversary commemorative book Catholic Regional College Melton 40 Years in the Making written by Kezi Todd outlines some of the history of B Block:

“Plans for the first stage of the College comprised of a single building including four classrooms, toilets, a shared area, two seminar rooms, space for lockers and a temporary staffroom with a total estimated cost of $371,000.”

Like our Cobblebank students, the first Year 7s at CRC Melton began their secondary education at a church hall while they waited for their campus to be completed.

This wonderful tale of their move to B Block shows just how much times have changed.

“By 24 March (1980), the new building was ready for occupation. On that day, students and staff made their exodus to the Bulmans Rd site. The Melton Shire Council agreed to load the makeshift ‘lockers’ and the few pieces of furniture onto the back of a truck and, escorted by their teachers, the 57 students walked the 4.5km behind the truck to their new permanent school.”

While most of B Block will be demolished, the brick wall that features a mural of the College’s original motto will be protected and retained as part of a new Junior Hub building.

The Junior Hub will include specialist learning spaces and classrooms, a makerspace, amenities, and an external alfresco balcony area. Stay tuned for building updates over the coming months.