Premier Alan Carpenter today announced a $17.68million upgrade to Albany Residential College, ensuring more students will enjoy world-class facilities.
Mr Carpenter said the funding boost would create room for an additional 90 students, improve the college's recreational, dining and living areas and install state-of-the-art computer technology.
"The upgrades will provide Albany Residential College students with surroundings that foster educational excellence," he said.
"The State Government is committed to providing all students with the best educational opportunities possible, and providing world-class facilities is a major part of that."
Mr Carpenter said he was pleased local Albany architects Howard and Heaver had worked with T&Z Architects on the design and documentation, and local builder Wauters Enterprises had been awarded the construction contract.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said the project included new common rooms and indoor student recreation facilities, expanded catering and dining facilities and new staff accommodation.
"The $17.68 million upgrades to Albany Residential College are an investment in the future of the Great Southern region and Western Australia," Mr Watson said.
"In the process of these upgrades the college will be able to provide for students and people with disabilities."
"The upgrade will incorporate new information technology infrastructure, including optical fibre connection and data points in residential rooms, to ensure that all students have ready access to research information and on-line tutoring services."
After the upgrades are finished, the college will accommodate 145 students.
Albany Residential College houses students who attend Albany Senior High School, North Albany Senior High School and St Joseph's College in Albany.
The upgrades will be undertaken in two stages, with the new buildings constructed over 15 months, followed by improvements to existing buildings that are expected to take eight months.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the State Government was committed to building a world class education system.
"This year, we will open seven new primary and four new secondary schools worth $170.1million," Mr McGowan said.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government was spending $1.41billion during the current term on school infrastructure projects across WA.
"We are spending $1.41billion on new schools, upgrades to existing schools and school maintenance during this term; and have built, planned and announced 65 new schools since coming to Government in 2001," he said.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
