Image supplied by Ace Seating
<h4>Space can be a scarce resource in schools, so making the most of every square metre is important. Innovative solutions that save space while ensuring an area maintains maximum flexibility are highly valued.</h4>
<p>Using a clever seating solution, Montmorency Secondary College has added functionality and practicality to its basketball court area, in partnership with <a href="https://aceseating.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ace Seating Solutions</a>. Retractable seating installed in the space has allowed the school to use the area as a multi-use venue.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.school-news.com.au/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the latest print edition of <em>School News</em> HERE</a></strong></p>
<p>The seating can be pulled out and used for school assemblies, sports events and school productions, with space to accommodate the entire school comfortably. When the seating is stacked away, the basketball court it sits on can be used as a normal court for PE lessons, training sessions and games. The dual functionality afforded by this seating solution is highly valued by school staff, students, and the wider community.</p>
<p>The project was designed by world renowned Architect Sean Godsell and needed to meet the peak of specifications. High quality finishes such as carpet platforms, LED strip aisle lighting and flip up chairs were essential to make this retractable seating unit stand out from normal stadium seating. More than just a place to sit, the seating and surrounding detail create a high-quality environment suited to a range of events.</p>
<p>Jason Tully from Ace Seating explained. “We used the Hussey Seating Company retractable platforms, who have been in business for 150 years and provide superior quality products. The Centura Seat type used in this project is quickly becoming a fan favourite with this seat being installed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Optus Stadium, and Commbank Stadium.</p>
<p>“The reason for using the retractable seating is mainly due to requiring the space recovery while the seating is not in use,” Mr Tully said.</p>
<figure id="attachment_28801" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28801" style="width: 684px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img class=" wp-image-28801" src="https://www.school-news.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SN34-ADMIN-CS-Ace-Seating-3-1024x414.webp" alt="Ace seating" width="684" height="276" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28801" class="wp-caption-text">Image supplied by Ace Seating</figcaption></figure>
<p>When the seating is not required, it retracts and stacks up against the wall in a very small, closed envelope of space allowing the courts to be used unimpeded. When the seating is required, school staff simply press a button and the seating is retracted over the courts into position, allowing the 1100 seats to be used for a range of different events. This simple set up is a significant time saving for staff, who do not need to manually unpack and stack individual chairs to accommodate school gatherings. This system has also eliminated the need to store large quantities of chairs to be used in the area, saving valuable storage space.</p>
<p>“It could be the whole school assembly, a theatre production or the Eltham Wildcats Basketball final, who share the stadium with the school. All events can be comfortably enjoyed with this seating system,” Mr Tully said.</p>
<p> As well as practicality for the school, the design focussed on the ‘gameday’ experience for the users. “Creating a home team atmosphere was the optimum goal when we designed this system, both for teams from Montmorency Secondary College and for the Eltham Wildcats,” Mr Tully said. “Original designs had the front row of the 1100 capacity seating eight metres around from the court edge. By increasing the aisle width and adding extra seating rows this allowed the front row to be within 3.5 metres off the court edge to make the spectators and supporters feel like they are part of the game.</p>
<p>“Working directly for the Victorian School Board Authority was a great opportunity to showcase our products and demonstrate our commitment to deliver a quality system into this outstanding new facility,” Mr Tully said. “Since this project, we have worked closely with the VSBA to install our systems into multiple stadiums and performing arts centres in schools across Victoria.”</p>
<p>The large retractable seating system is now the envy of all other schools and teams that visit the Montmorency Secondary College and Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club. Users enjoy the comfort of the seats, the attention to detail in creating an inviting atmosphere, and love the experience of every home game.</p>
<div style="position:relative;padding-top:max(60%,326px);height:0;width:100%"><iframe allow="clipboard-write" sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms" allowfullscreen="true" style="position:absolute;border:none;width:100%;height:100%;left:0;right:0;top:0;bottom:0;" src=https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?backgroundColor=%23ffffff&#038;backgroundColorFullscreen=%23ffffff&#038;d=snau34-term_4-2024&#038;hideIssuuLogo=true&#038;u=multimediaau></iframe></div>

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) has announced that in 2025 Busking for Change is being…
About one quarter of Australian school students are learning English as an additional language or…
Spending time in green spaces reduces cortisol levels, lowers heart rate, and positively impacts mood…
Social isolation, loneliness, bullying, and family breakdowns are now key causes of distress among young…
Busy, high-use areas, washrooms can use some extra attention to make sure students feel comfortable…
A study investigating the realities of out-of-field teachers is seeking participants for groundbreaking research.
This website uses cookies.