Work begins on Baldivis Secondary College

• Building contract awarded for stage 2 of Baldivis Secondary College

• Secondary school to accommodate more than 1,400 students by 2017

Work has begun on the $46.7million expansion of Baldivis Secondary College in Perth's southern suburbs.

Education Minister Peter Collier today announced the building contract had been awarded to Cooper and Oxley Pty Ltd and the one-year-old college could offer places from years 7 to 12 by 2017.

"Five hundred year 8 and 9 students enrolled this year, but the two new building projects will mean the school can cater for up to 1,450 students by 2017," Mr Collier said.

The $40million stage two building project includes two new classroom blocks, more science laboratories, an inclusive education classroom, arts building, extra gymnasium and health facilities, hard courts and landscaping.

Work is also under way on another new $6.7million classroom block, which was funded under the State Government's $229.6million year 7 capital works program to provide more facilities at secondary schools by 2015.

"The additions to the school will mean it is well-placed to welcome year 7 students in 2015 because there will be more classrooms and specialist facilities," the Minister said.

"The expansion of Baldivis Secondary College is just one of 75 major capital works projects in Western Australian schools this year that will provide for a large growth in student numbers.

"From 2009-10 to 2013-14, this Government invested an unprecedented $1.56billion in school infrastructure, which resulted in 33 schools and 799 new classrooms."

The $44million first stage of Baldivis Secondary College, located at Stillwater Drive, Baldivis, opened last year.

          Fact File

• Baldivis Secondary College stage two was designed by JCY Architects

• 75 major education capital works projects are expected to be finished during 2014, worth $538million

Minister's office - 6552 6300