Construction has begun today on the brand new B-12 school at Aldinga, in a major jobs boost for the state’s construction industry.
The beginning of work at Aldinga comes as South Australian-based Sarah Constructions has also been awarded the contract to build the new $100 million secondary school in Whyalla.
The combined builds at Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla, will result South Australian-based Sarah Constructions creating more than 1000 jobs over the life of the three projects.
Located at 143 Port Road, Aldinga, the new B-12 school will be a welcome addition for many families in the growing south.
The school, which is set to open in Term 1, 2022, will accommodate up to 1675 students, including 100 inclusive places for students with a disability and a 75 place children’s centre.
Premier Steven Marshall said the local construction jobs created will be critical to the state’s economy as we deal with devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
“South Australia has a strong plan to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and the construction of this school will provide a substantial jobs boost for our economy,” said Premier Marshall.
“This project forms part of our Government’s record $1.3 billion education capital works investment that is set to underpin thousands of the jobs across the state.
“Local families will welcome the construction of this new school, which will deliver modern, state-of-the-art facilities for students in 2022.”
Education Minister John Gardner said communities will be excited to see construction begin on their new local school.
“This is a very exciting time to be breaking ground on the first of three new schools set to be built across the state as part of the Marshall Government $1.3 billion investment in education infrastructure,” said Minister Gardner.
“I know that the local community will be looking forward to watching the progress of this build and to see the land fully transformed and ready for learning in 2022.
“This new school will provide modern learning environments for local students, with a strong focus on STEM to help educate students for the jobs of the future.”
The proposed zone for the Aldinga B-12 schools expands as far north as Maslin Beach, down to Sellicks Beach in the south, and includes suburbs such as Port Willunga, Aldinga and Aldinga Beach.
Families can view a map of the proposed new and amended zones here.
Feature of school’s design will include:
- a modern learning environment with strong connections between internal and external learning spaces
- a focus on STEM studies to educate students for jobs of the future
- integration and connection, providing unique learning and teaching environments for children and students from birth all the way up to year 12
- design that allows community use, creating an inclusive and accessible hub
- expansive outdoor facilities designed for community use outside of school hours, including courts, an open gymnasium, sporting fields
- a 300 seat performing arts centre and an entrepreneurial hub
- Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles and meet a 5-green star rating.
John McCollough, Project Company Representative, TESA Education said construction was a team effort.
“It is a testament to the collective team working in an open and collaborative manner that has enabled works to commence onsite in what has been a relatively short period of time,” said Mr McCollough.
“It’s certainly laying a strong foundation for ongoing success throughout the build and maintenance phases for the following 30 years.”
Adrian Esplin, CEO, Sarah Constructions welcome the commencement of construction.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the State to deliver a critical education project for our creative southern region,” said Mr Esplin.
“Our people relish the opportunity to work on innovative, bespoke projects that set a new benchmark for education facilities.”
TESA Education comprises of Tetris Capital, Dutch Infrastructure Fund, Sarah Construction and ISS Services.
