The Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, the Most Rev Colin Campbell, said in a media statement the proposals were "quite complex and had too many uncertain elements" to proceed further, and his focus had turned to developing the school’s Melbourne St site.
He had made the decision as early as possible to provide certainty to the school and parish community "particularly in light of recent rumour and speculation over the existing site".
A working group developed plans for a new campus, with capacity for 300 pupils, at Remarkables Park. They included options for a new parish church and presbytery.
A survey of parishioners and school and preschool parents last June garnered 220 responses, and showed majority support for the move.
Bishop Campbell said development plans for the present site, put on hold because of the relocation proposal, were "impressive" and could now be put into action.
The Catholic Diocese of Dunedin’s education director, Tony Hanning, said some people would be disappointed by the decision, but a recent decline in the school’s roll had provided "breathing space".
Although the school’s ERO reports and parent feedback continued to be excellent, ongoing uncertainty about the school’s future had the potential to affect enrolments.
Ten-year-old development plans would be "dusted off and revised", but were likely to include earthquake strengthening, general modernisation and the conversion of the 140-year-old Dominican convent into an administration block, Mr Hanning said.
Principal Trisch Inder said the decision provided certainty, and it was now up to the school community to be "positive" and work to make the most of the present site.
"Whatever the decision, there would’ve been people who were disappointed."
It was vital for the school’s roll, now at 129 pupils, to grow, Mrs Inder said
St Joseph’s Queenstown is a state-integrated primary school catering for years 1-8.
