Work begins on Butler College expansion

• Building contract awarded for stage two of Butler College in Perth's north

• Work due for completion in April 2015

Work has begun on stage two of Butler College in Perth's fast-growing northern corridor.

Education Minister Peter Collier today announced the building contract had been awarded to Perkins Builders for the $35million project.

The college will receive two classroom blocks; a lecture theatre; visual arts, music, media and dance areas; information technology and business studies facilities; and additions to the sports hall.

Mr Collier said the school would have places for 1,450 students when stage two was completed in early 2015.

"The expansion of Butler College is just one of 75 major capital works projects in Western Australian schools this year, which will provide for a large growth in student numbers," he said.

"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 Minister said work was also under way on another new classroom block worth $8.4million, funded under the State Government's $229.6million year 7 capital works program.

"These large investments in Butler College mean year 7s will also benefit from first-class facilities when they join secondary school for the first time," he said.

"Butler College will also receive an extra 162 car parking bays; two sports hard courts; a hockey field; refurbishment  of four science laboratories; an engineering studio; a food studio and textiles area."

Stage one of Butler College, worth $51.4million, opened last year and included specialist learning areas for students with special needs.

         Fact File

• Butler College stage two was designed by architects Taylor Robinson

• The college currently has more than 600 students

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

Minister's office - 6552 6300