Premier Mark McGowan is in Albany today to turn the first sod on the major rebuild at Mount Lockyer Primary School, and announced an additional $1.4 million to ensure the refurbishment of an original six classroom block can be included in the project.
The McGowan Government last year announced $15.2 million for the largest primary school in Albany for a major rebuild to modernise facilities and increase classroom space for current and future students.
At today’s sod-turning event to mark the start of construction, the Premier also announced an additional $1.4 million towards the project.
The new funding, to be included in the Mid-year Review will ensure the school’s original six classroom block can now be included in the rebuild project.
Mount Lockyer Primary School was built in 1954 and has become a popular choice for families with children in the local area which has grown over recent years.
Design for the new school will centre around the concept of a ‘village square’ to emphasise and create a learning environment that is built on partnerships between the school and the local community.
Students will continue to learn in the original school buildings while the new facilities are built.
The new facilities will include an administration building, library, staff room, covered assembly area and additional car parking.
Four new learning blocks will each consist of four classrooms, internal and external activity rooms, staff study areas and toilets.
The school’s existing early childhood classrooms, science and music blocks will be incorporated into the new build.
Construction will be managed by local Albany group Wauters Enterprises Pty Ltd and will support 59 jobs.
Students will move into the new facilities when construction is complete which is expected to be for the start of the 2022 school year.
The McGowan Government has committed an additional $492 million into school infrastructure in the 2020-21 budget to upgrade and modernise schools around Western Australia.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“I am proud to turn the first sod for the construction of new buildings and mark an important new chapter for Mount Lockyer Primary School.
“This major rebuild will create a fantastic new facility for students and teachers, while creating jobs for locals.
“The school is a popular choice for local families and I’m sure the new buildings will become a hub for the community.
“My Government is committed to investing in schools to make sure that students have access to modern, welcoming and inspiring learning environments.”
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“I share in the enthusiasm of students and staff at Mount Lockyer Primary School, who are understandably excited that construction of their state-of-the-art new school buildings has started today.
“There are currently around 600 students enrolled and the new facilities will ensure the school can expand up to 700 students.
“A team of Year 5 students are going to follow the developments of the school build closely and map the progress.”
