Contractor appointed to build Ellenbrook primary school (A/Min)

15/1/98

A building contractor has been appointed and work is due to start this month on a new $3.3 million state-of-the-art primary school at Ellenbrook.

Acting Education Minister and Minister for Works Mike Board said the new school in Woollybush Road was due to be completed in August.

It would replace the ground-breaking and very successful 'school in houses' project which opened in 1996.

Seven suburban houses, adapted internally to provide classroom space, a library and administration centre, had been used as an interim school until enrolment numbers warranted a permanent school. Enrolments grew so quickly that the new school is now being built six months earlier than originally anticipated.

Mr Board said 300 students from pre-primary to year seven would now move into the new Ellenbrook Primary School with teachers and staff in August.

"The school has been designed by Cox Howlett and Bailey Architects and Planners and the building contract has been awarded to Homestyle Pty Ltd," he said.

"The design provides for up-to-the-minute technology, with fibre optic cabling throughout, allowing computers to be networked throughout the school and Internet connections in every classroom."

Mr Board said the new school would have 14 classrooms, including two for pre-primary students, a library/resource centre, art/craft and music rooms and an education support unit for students with disabilities. An administration block will include staff facilities and a canteen will be incorporated into the new covered assembly area.

The Shire of Swan has also agreed to jointly develop ovals for the use of the new school, the local community and a future Catholic school. Other outdoor facilities will include multi-purpose hard courts and cricket practice nets.

"The new Ellenbrook Primary School will be state-of-the art, providing modern facilities for students and staff and the latest in information technology facilities to ensure our children have access to up-to-date information and details," Mr Board said.

"I am confident it will be just as popular with the school community as the 'school in houses' project has been and that a continuing strong school spirit will ensure a very bright future for students and staff."

Mr Board said once the school community moved to its new surroundings, it was planned that the seven houses in Bronzewing Avenue would revert to their owners. All houses are privately owned. The classroom-sized spaces could be converted to bedrooms, lounges and other rooms in accordance with the original house plans.

"The 'school in houses' project has proved to be a highly efficient and adaptable method of providing an interim school in a growing residential area, more than two years before the Education Department could have justified constructing a permanent school," the Minister said.

"As a joint project with the developers of Ellenbrook, it has been most successful and paved the way for schools in houses at Mindarie and Neerabup, and the unique school in a future shopping centre at Secret Harbour."

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699