The relocation of Marian College to a former warehouse in Christchurch stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and community rejuvenation. Following the impact of the 2010/11 earthquakes, the school faced displacement from its premises in Shirley, prompting a search for a new, permanent home.

The solution emerged through a bold initiative by the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, who purchased an unused Northcote warehouse. This unconventional choice was driven by a desire to provide a sustainable, culturally rich environment for the school's 500 students and staff, all within a tight budget.

Designed as a separate commission from the rest of the school, the chapel is in a prime position at the forefront of the school. A pillar of the school's core values, the chapel represents Marian College’s strong devotion to its Catholic faith while honouring its heritage. Drawing on a cultural narrative gifted to the college by the local iwi, the chapel's ceiling illuminates a depiction of the constellation that adorned the night sky on the day of the college’s founding in 1982.