Developers in talks for education precinct at Albion

As construction of a new vertical school in Fortitude Valley begins, moves are being made to firm up discussions around the potential for another in a new $750 million neighbourhood in Albion.

Artist's impression of the proposed Albion Exchange transit oriented development.

THERE is another school predicted to feature in the future of Brisbane’s inner north.

As construction of the new Inner City North State Secondary College (ICN SSC), begins in Fortitude Valley, moves are being made to firm up discussions around the potential for new educational facilities to be built within the $750 million Albion Exchange neighbourhood.

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Geon Property Senior ­Development Manager Tim Rossberg said preliminary discussions around educational options for Stage 4 of the precinct had begun.

Artist's impression of the proposed Albion Exchange transit oriented development.

He said interest from ­independent and private schools in the site as a satellite option for existing schools had been raised, as well as the potential for the state’s first vertical primary school.

The Property group has also had initial discussions with the State Government about visions for the Stage 4 site using the ICN SSC as a potential blueprint.

Statistical data prepared for Geon Property by Urbis highlights population growth in the area is forecast to increase at 6.7 per cent per annum over the next five years.

By 2036 the population in Albion is expected to ­increase by 4000 residents.

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Albion Exchange education precinct

Although the development of the site, which sits at the northern end of the 4ha precinct, is still six or seven years away, Mr Rossberg said the population growth and influx of families to the area put discussions about educational facilities high on the agenda. He said the size of the site was slightly smaller than the space being used for the Fortitude Valley based ICN SSC.

“We’re certainly exploring a number of options including primary school, special school needs and international,” Mr Rossberg said.

While he said it was unlikely to be a mixed use model, a recent visit to a South Melbourne primary school had indicated integrated models were being introduced elsewhere in Australia.

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Urbis data for population growth in Albion

“Once we get some certainty on whether or not it is a school we will be definitely talking with community,” Mr Rossberg said.

“There has been some early discussions with the Department but the focus has been on Stage 1 at this point.”

He said discussions with consultants had also raised serious interest from independent and private schools currently experiencing pressures with existing school sites and looking to expand their footprint through satellite campuses.

“We will certainly be reaching out to those schools,” Mr Rossberg said.

Albion Exchange demographic data and schools

“The Group has been in discussion about this type of vertical school in the suburb and definitely from those discussions with principals there is a desire to create a satellite school.”

The development of the Albion Exchange precinct is a joint partnership between Geon Property and the State Government.