In-demand West End State School to increase capacity with multimillion-dollar expansion

The first stage of a multimillion-dollar expansion at one of Brisbane’s most rapidly-growing schools has started. The new buildings will make room for hundreds of extra students.

AN EXPANSION worth millions of dollars at one of Brisbane’s most in demand public schools has kicked off today, in a bid to increase capacity following a surge of enrolments.

Stage 1 of West End State School’s expansion project has officially begun, with the first building projects due for completion in mid-2020.

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Hutchinson Builders have been awarded the $25.7 million Stage 1 contract, predicted to support 75 jobs during construction, which will include a three-storey learning centre with 16 learning spaces, a new pick-up/drop-off zone and outdoor landscaped areas.

The project’s second stage will include 15 new classrooms, a library, a creative learning centre and administration space, and was due for completion in 2022.

West End State School’s enrolments have surged in recent years, from about 750 in 2015 to more than 1100 this year.

The new campus was predicted to cater for about 1700 students by completion.

An artist impression of the new development at West End State School. Photo: Supplied

Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the school’s popularity was only set to increase.

She said after a number of community consultation sessions about the project, it was “exciting” to see it under way.

“We’ve listened to what parents and carers have said and incorporated their feedback into the project,” she said.

“All new classrooms will be connected by a green-space campus heart, giving students a dedicated space for outdoor learning and play.

“That was one of the most important issues that parents raised, and I’m pleased to see that we’re delivering on that.”

West End State School Principal Kim McNamara. Photo: AAP/John Gass

Principal Kim McNamara said they had been “on the journey” since the concept design development and that there had been extensive collaboration.

“I’m extremely excited to see our school campus transform and capture the essence of our education direction for the students at West End State School,” she said.

“Growth brings excitement, new people and new challenges, and with abundance of outdoor and flexible spaces planned, the students will be empowered to achieve their personal best.”