SWAN Hill North Primary School is preparing for a major refurbishment.
A State Government election commitment saw the school secure $8.9 million to upgrade and modernise facilities, after gaining a share in the School Upgrade Delivery Fund.
The wheels are now in motion for the redevelopment, which is in its planning and design stage, with architectural plans recently unveiled at the school’s Open Day.
“Planning is the critical first stage of every capital works project and commencing this process now allows the school to plan the project ahead of funding for the construction phase being allocated in a future state budget,” a government spokesperson said.
The masterplan reveals state-of-the-art facilities, including a STEM space for science, technology and art subjects, modernised classrooms – each equipped with a small wellbeing office, a new administration building and a shared central space.
Principal Brea Terris said the project would allow for future growth within the shire.
“Projections are showing we will have increased enrolments over the next couple of years,” Ms Terris said.
“The staff and students are so excited about the design stage and are looking forward to seeing this project come to life.”
The large-scale construction project marks the first major redevelopment of the school, which opened in 1959.
Design elements of the concept plan focus on accessibility and inclusiveness, with the aesthetics and colour scheme incorporating components of the Murray River.
“Recycled timber from the original floorboards will be used as part of the rebuild,” Ms Terris said, noting the project also focused on sustainability.
“SHNPS has always maintained excellent facilities, but this funding will provide the opportunity to provide state-of-the-art facilities for students in Swan Hill,” Ms Terris said.
“SHNPS has a strong focus on improvement in student learning and wellbeing and the facilities will match our teaching methodologies.”
Ms Terris remains hopeful the school will be allocated further funding in the state budget to allow the development to progress to the next stage.
Once funding is secured, the project will go to tender and is expected to take around 12 months to complete.
