First look: Plans lodged for $1.5m upgrades to Elizabeth Park Primary School

A 1960s-built primary school in Adelaide’s north is getting modern upgrades after it scored funding. See the plans.

An artist's impression of the proposed upgrades to Elizabeth Park Primary School. Picture: Supplied

Elizabeth Park Primary School is getting a much-needed and “very exciting” $1.5m upgrade to bring its buildings up to modern standards.

The public school in Adelaide’s north last month lodged plans for the upgrades after receiving a $1.5m federal government Schools Upgrade Fund grant in April last year.

School principal Danielle Green said a double-classroom building would be upgraded and another single-classroom building built under the plan, while the school would also create a community garden.

An artist's impression of the proposed upgrades to Elizabeth Park Primary School. Picture: Supplied

“This school was built around the ’60s; they can get a bit tired when they’ve been around for this long,” she said.

“We have got some tired classrooms that needed replacing and or upgrading. There’ll be some modern upgrades.

“It’s very exciting. I think it’s time for kids in the north to get some really nice classroom spaces.

“We’ve got a couple (of buildings) that have been updated in the last 15, 20 years, but nothing’s really been done since then.

“To have a brand new classroom and a brand new refurbished double space, so essentially three modern classrooms, is really exciting.

“It’s probably the start of, over time, upgrading other classrooms to match the style. That’s what they deserve, after all.”

A transportable single-classroom building near the school’s driveway would be removed, before being replaced by a new building in another location under the plan.

Another double-classroom building would be refurbished with upgrades including new insulation, cabinetry and flooring.

An artist's impression of the proposed upgrades to Elizabeth Park Primary School. Picture: Supplied

Ms Green said the plan for a community garden was separate from the works funded by the government grant and she guessed it would cost only about $2000, for which the school would raise funds.

It would complement the Elizabeth Park Schools Community Hub, which the school runs together with Community Hubs Australia to offer community services such as a playgroup, parenting classes and English language classes.

The school was one of 18 in South Australia to receive a share of $17m in federal grant funding in April last year.