Ripley Central State Primary School to be built in Ripley Valley estate
Hundreds of parents will be able to walk their children to school when a new Ipswich primary school opens in a little over a year. SEE THE PLANS
Ipswich
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Initial works on Ipswich’s newest school will begin before the end of the year in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing areas, which is expected to lure more young families to the growth area.
The State Government submitted plans for the $60 million Ripley Central State Primary School to Ipswich City Council for approval late last month.
It will be one of 10 new state schools to open in high-growth areas in Queensland in 2023 and 2024.
The new Ripley school will to be built on a 5ha site in the Ripley Valley housing estate and is expected to open for Prep to Year 6 students in 2023.
The estate is already home to about 700 people and is being developed by Satterley.
It will ultimately accommodate for up to 1200 students, with between 80 and 100 full-time staff needed.
The site falls within the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area, which will become home to 120,000 people and 50,000 homes by 2045.
Satterley Queensland and Victoria general manager Jack Hoffmann said about 2000 people would live in 800 homes when the estate was completed.
“The Department of Education, as far as we’re aware, is well advanced on the design of school buildings and we’re well advanced on the roads and infrastructure that will be built over the next 12 months to service and provide access to the school,” he said.
“We’re hoping that is completed by August next year and the school will be able to take enrolments towards the end of 2022.”
Just five minutes up the road in the Providence estate, the co-located Ripley Valley State School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College opened last year.
Mr Hoffmann said the new primary school would accommodate a huge influx of residents over the next 20 years and fill a gap for those in the area living between school catchments.
“Projects like this always take a while to plan,” he said.
“We’ve been really pleased to be working with the Ipswich City Council economic development department and the Department of Education for a few years now.
“It’s fantastic that the funding has been confirmed. It’s been a worthwhile process.
“At the end of the day residents will get a new school in 18 months.
“The core demographic we’re seeing at Ripley Valley has been families, particularly young families.
“The existing residents at Ripley Valley have been anticipating a school for some time and for many it was the reason for choosing Ripley Valley.
“It will be a drawcard for future residents.
“The main reason for that as a parent is one of the great joys is being able to walk your kids to school. They will be able to do that.
“There’s been an anticipation this school will come to life in the not too distant future and that’s been a real drawcard for families. We expect that to continue.
“Our understanding is that the school itself represents just under a $60 million investment.”
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