Historic long-term agreements between Walker Corporation, Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the City of Playford will deliver a district-level community sports facility in the growing Riverlea neighbourhood, anchored by a new state-of-the-art Catholic school.

Due to open in January 2027, Xavier College Riverlea Park in Adelaide’s north, will be the first school to be built in Riverlea, the masterplanned residential community by Walker, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Xavier College Riverlea Park will initially cater for students from Reception to Year 6, progressively growing to provide a full academic pathway through to Year 12. A dedicated Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) space is incorporated into the Stage 1 build, while a co-located Early Learning Centre (ELC) will provide care for children from 6 weeks of age to 5 years, on the school site.

The $60 Million Stage 1 build of Xavier College Riverlea Park will feature a three-storey building with centralised communal spaces which flow through to dynamic learning environments and cutting-edge facilities, including dedicated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) “Maker” spaces, multimedia studios, and a food technology centre. 

Features of Xavier College Riverlea Park include: 

• A Sacred Space used for school and community gatherings to foster meaningful faith-inspired connections  
• 300 square metres of landscaping which pays respect to First Nations people with the inclusion of a cultural trail, yarning circles and nature play
• Extensive school hour access to the neighbouring district level sporting facilities 
• A rooftop garden fully integrated into the campus’ Food Technology Program
• Green energy efficient building design

Under a shared use agreement, Xavier College students and the wider community will share access to a district-level sportsground, including soccer pitches, multi-sport oval and other recreational amenities and in time, a gymnasium located on the school site. The campus and community hub will operate across a 15-hectare site, providing learning, recreation and connection opportunities for Riverlea Park and the surrounding suburbs.

The education and sport facilities will be co-delivered by CESA and Walker Corporation as part of a wider partnership, with the district sportsgrounds to be managed by the City of Playford through its Sportsgrounds Community Land Management Plan (CLMP). 

The signing of the agreements marks a significant milestone in the project following extensive collaboration between the three parties and a community consultation phase.

Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director, Catholic Education South Australia said: 

“We are delighted to announce the new Catholic school at Riverlea Park will be a campus of Xavier College, making it our 120th campus in South Australia.  

“Xavier College Riverlea Park is part of our commitment to expanding Catholic Education pathways and building an even stronger focus on student learning and quality teaching.

“Our partnership with the City of Playford and Walker Corporation provides shared access to district-level recreational and sports facilities that will benefit the whole community. With 40,000 people calling Riverlea home in the future, we are honoured to be delivering the first school in this founding community.”

David Gallant, Managing Director and CEO, Walker Corporation said:  

“Delivering quality education and well-designed sporting and community facilities is a core component of Walker Corporation’s masterplanned vision for Riverlea and we are excited to partner with Catholic Education South Australia and the City of Playford to deliver this major milestone for the community.”

“Xavier College Riverlea Park will provide families in Riverlea and neighbouring suburbs with access to high-quality education, offering a continuous learning pathway from early years through to Year 12.”

Mayor Glenn Docherty, Mayor, City of Playford said:  

“This is a fantastic result for our community and a strong example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. By working together with Walker and CESA, Council is delivering real outcomes for families in the north.”

“Strategic partnerships like this are essential to supporting our growing community. Formalising a shared use agreement with CESA means we can deliver quality sporting facilities that are accessible to the community, delivered sooner, and are cost-effective for Council.”

“Council is not just responding to growth, but anticipating it. We’re thinking ahead, and doing the groundwork to ensure our community has the sport and recreation infrastructure it needs now and into the future.

Riverlea resident Bonnie Skeers said:

“It’s fantastic knowing that by the time our kids are ready for school, they’ll have access to great education right here in Riverlea.”

Xavier College will be hosting Community Information Sessions at Riverlea in June where families can find out more about the campus. To register for these events, visit: www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/riverlea-park/events

Enrolment applications to the new campus are now being accepted. To apply or for more information visit: www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/riverlea-park or contact: 08 8521 4500.