Construction Starts on Brisbane’s First Vertical State School

The new flagship state secondary school in Brisbane’s inner north has achieved three big milestones with the appointment of the building contractor, the start of construction and the release of the proposed catchment area.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was joined by Minister for Education and Member for McConnel Grace Grace to turn the first sod, determined to deliver the once-in-a-generation new school by 2020.

“Construction is starting on the first school being built in Brisbane’s inner city in more than 50 years, this is an historic moment,” the Premier said.

“Not only will it deliver a state-of-the art education facility for our young people but it will create 300 full-time jobs, providing a valuable shot-in-the-arm for our construction sector.

“The new Inner North Secondary College will also be Brisbane’s first vertical state high school and is being delivered as part of my government’s $808 million Building Future Schools Fund.

The Cox Architecture designed development is set to include ‘future focused’ learning areas such as an Innovation Centre, Robotics Studios as well as Technology labs.

“Brisbane-founded Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the contract to build this leading state high school and I am also delighted that Brisbane architect Thomson Adsett will lead the detailed design in partnership with Hutchinson Builders.”

The latest data from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office shows the number of children living in the inner-city has increased by some 30 per cent since 2011 and a further 3000 students are expected to move to the area over the next five years.

Minister Grace said the proposed catchment map was also released today and called for suggestions for the school’s official name and expressions of interest for student enrolments.

“The release of the school’s proposed catchment means the new school now has its own distinct local community,” she said.

“The proposed catchment has been created using an equidistant boundary between the new school and its neighbouring state high schools – the same process that applies for other schools across Queensland.

“The proposed School Enrolment Management Plan (EMP) will prioritise local students to ensure we relieve pressure on inner city enrolments.”

The new school’s foundation Principal, Sharon Barker, said the Department of Education had also opened expressions of interest for student enrolment.

“The enrolment expression of interest will help us begin to establish our local school community,” she said.

“Whilst this process does not guarantee your child a place, it allows you to be part of our developing school community.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the community to build this outstanding new school.”