Source: Stirling Times May 28th, 2018 Written by Tyler Brown

HERITAGE buildings at Balcatta Senior High School will be refurbished to accommodate new education support facilities as part of a $50 million redevelopment.

Education Minister Sue Ellery and Balcatta MLA David Michael visited the historic secondary school today as part of the Community Cabinet meeting to announce the facilities would include life skills and therapy rooms, a student services area, media classrooms and an upgraded library in the buildings that face Poincare Street.

“Balcatta Senior High School was built in 1967 and requires significant upgrades to ensure students have access to modern and high-quality education facilities,” Ms Ellery said.

“Including education support facilities in the redevelopment will help meet the individual needs of students while they receive a high-quality education and help ease pressure on support centres in the local area.”

Mr Michael said the new facilities would “help improve the learning environment”.

“I am pleased the redevelopment will include education support facilities to give local families easier access and reduced travel pressure,” he said.

“Works will also include improvements to the school’s landscaping, wayfinding and parking to suit both the new and existing buildings.

“The school community has been involved in the planning for the new and refurbished facilities, which will complement the historical buildings while giving the school a real presence.”

It will also include a new administration block, performing arts centre, science and general classrooms, sports hall, change rooms, cafeteria, staff areas and design and technology workshops.

Architect firm Hassell was appointed earlier this year to design the redevelopments, with construction to begin next year and be completed by 2021.