St Margaret’s has officially opened its new state of the art dining and gathering space, the Canopy Café.

Inspired by market halls around the world, Blight Rayner Architect’s design beautifully integrates a new cafeteria style seating area opening out to The Forest on one side, terraced decking on the other and Churchill lawn beyond.

The café blends history with modern design; the steeply pitched terracotta red roofs are a nod to the surrounding heritage buildings including the Boarding House, the Health Centre and the Darnell Music Rooms, all of which were designed by architect Lange Powell in the 1920s-30s. Contemporary elements such as the lightly coloured brick mimic those used in the Sports Precinct.

The new cafeteria has significantly transformed and rejuvenated the school campus, replacing the former tuckshop and adjacent undercroft of an existing school building into a vibrant space with an abundance of indoor and outdoor communal seating areas that promote social interaction and engagement while the decking will provide additional seating as well as another performance space for small ensembles.

The Canopy Café seamlessly connects the primary and secondary schools and will be enjoyed by students of all year levels.

It will also afford opportunities for St Margaret’s staff, parents and alumni to congregate, connect and collaborate.

St Margaret’s Catering Operations Manager Scott Johnson said the Canopy Café will provide a shift away from the traditional tuckshop model towards a cafeteria style approach, prioritising a more balanced and nutritious meal experience for students.

“One of the features of the new Canopy Café is a pizza oven which will allow us to offer a range of freshly prepared hot meal options.

“The self-servery will provide flexibility for us to experiment with offerings including buffets, grab and go fresh salads and more.

“Our focus is on providing a wide range of healthy options,” Scott said.

The Canopy Café was officially dedicated on Tuesday 10 June by Archbishop The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves. Also in attendance were Bishop Sarah Plowman ('90), Sister Gillian and Sister Rev'd Jan Crombie. 

The precinct was designed by Blight Rayner Architecture and built by FARA Fitout and Refurbishment Australia.

Originally published on the St Margaret's Anglican Girls School website.