Students at Warrnambool Special Development School are a step closer to getting a new school with world class facilities with construction now underway.
Minister for Education James Merlino today turned the sod on the $19.6 million construction project that will replace the school’s old campus.
The new school will accommodate 170 students and will feature inclusive and environmentally sustainable design features, as well as a food training building and therapy areas.
Warrnambool Special Development School, which caters for children aged between 5-18 years, is the only special education facility within the City of Warrnambool and has experienced a period of sustained growth since it opened.
The new school has been designed by Hede Architects and it will be built on Woollaston Road by Fairbrother. It is expected to be ready by the end of 2019.
The project is the result of an election commitment to relocate the school to a new site due to the condition and functionality of the existing facilities.
The new school will be built while the current school continues business as usual, to ensure there is no disruption for staff and students.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We always said we would build the Warrnambool Special Development School and we are getting it done.”
“Every student deserves access to the best possible equipment and resources and that is what we will give them.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“For too long Warrnambool Special Development School has been bursting at the seams, and I am proud that work is now underway to move the school to a new site.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020