The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering a new primary school in Ferrars Street, after the former Liberal Government failed to provide any funding to build to a school and botched planning in Fisherman’s Bend.
Minister for Education James Merlino today joined Member for Albert Park Martin Foley at the proposed site of the new primary school to review the school’s interim master plan.
Mr Merlino also spoke with members of the Ferrars Street Planning Committee, which includes local parents and principals as well as representatives from the City of Port Phillip who are planning community facilities and children's services on site.
Other planning underway is looking at streetscapes, open space and upgrades to two tram stops. A precinct plan will be completed for public comment late this year.
The proposed school forms part of the broader Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area (FBURA), which is expected to accommodate around 40,000 jobs over the next 30 years. The site and the FBURA development present a unique opportunity to explore the delivery of an integrated, co-located and vertical school.
In addition to the purchase of the site, $5 million has already been committed for contamination removal works, demolition of existing buildings and master planning for the new school.
Recognising growing enrolment pressure on schools in the area, the Labor Government has committed $11.5 million to build a new South Melbourne Park Primary School, $2.3 million to refurbish a building in Port Melbourne as a campus for Albert Park College, $10 million to upgrade Elwood College and to build a High School for Prahan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re working closely with the local community and the City of Port Phillip to shape our shared vision for the new primary school, as well as the wider Fisherman’s Bend Precinct.”
“We’re investing almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has a great local school and every child gets the chance to succeed.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
“After four years of botched planning and inaction by the former Liberal Government, we are getting on with delivering a new school in Ferrars St.”
“There are several major apartment developments planned for Fisherman’s Bend and we are getting in early to make sure there is a school from the outset.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020