Brisbane school expansion to cater for enrolment growth

A new $7 million classroom block under construction at Ironside State School is on track for completion for the 2017 school year.

Acting Premier Curtis Pitt today visited Ironside State School to inspect construction on 10 new classrooms.

Mr Pitt said the work was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $667 million school infrastructure program.

“Visiting this site brings the Palaszczuk Government’s infrastructure plans and budget allocations to life, as we see a brand new three-storey facility taking shape,” he said.

“Hutchinson Builders was awarded the contract to deliver this facility, which the government expects will deliver 30 full-time jobs across the life of the project.

“Work commenced here in June this year and is due for completion in time for the start of the 2017 school year.

“Students and teachers from all Prep to Year 6 levels will enjoy 10 extra classrooms and an undercroft.”

Ironside State School principal Damian Johnson said the school community was excited about being able to use the new facility next year.

“This project will not only manage our enrolment growth, but significantly improve the teaching and learning conditions for both staff and students.

“It’s fantastic that it will also provide a new hub and administrative space for our before and after school hours care and holiday programs, which are important services for our local community,” Mr Johnson said.

Mr Pitt said the Ironside school expansion project was one of several other large capital works projects across the Brisbane metropolitan region designed to cater for enrolment growth.

“For example, construction of Stage 3 of Springfield Central State High School is well underway, including a Performing Arts Centre and a four-storey Senior Learning Centre containing 17 classrooms,” Minister Pitt said.

“This $15 million project, awarded to Paynter Dixon, is on track for delivery for the start of the 2017 school year.

“Another new $7 million facility is also being constructed by Hutchinson Builders at Bulimba State School, which will provide a four-storey block with ten new classrooms and a new resource centre, scheduled to be up and running by Term 2 next year.”

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