$73m Whitlam school delayed until 2027 amid rising costs and accessibility challenges

The ACT government has pushed back the opening of a highly anticipated $73m public primary school and preschool amid rising cost concerns and a struggling construction sector.

Artist impressions for the proposed $73m primary school in Whitlam in the ACT's Molonglo Valley, which has been delayed. Picture: Supplied.

The opening of a long-awaited school in Whitlam in the Molonglo Valley has been pushed back as construction sector woes and rising cost concerns cause more obstacles for the ACT Government.

It is now likely the new school will open in term 1, 2027, as opposed to an originally slated early 2026 opening.

All students in the catchment zone will be able to attend Evelyn Scott School in Denman Prospect.

A statement cited rising costs and ongoing skills shortages in the construction industry to blame for the delays.

The delay has angered some parents, with one saying: “It’s never their fault, always someone else’s.”

Artist impressions for the proposed $73m primary school in Whitlam in the ACT's Molonglo Valley, which has been delayed. Picture: Supplied.

The original proposal outlines plans for the construction of a school, catering to children from preschool through to Year 6.

Development plans from 2023 indicated the construction costs would be circa $73,194,000.

The proposal includes the establishment of a sports fields, a playground and on-site parking.

The school will eventually cater to 800 primary school students.

The development application identifies several accessibility challenges including the “excessively steep” terrain around pathways and distribution of accessible parking spaces.

Site photo. Picture: Supplied.

The application also revealed the “hilly topography” of the suburb, which has presented challenges to the design team.

There were also concerns raised regarding the pedestrian pathways, indicating the project will need further adjustments to progress.

The geotechnical investigations for the school also revealed other potential risks including bedrock resistance, unsuitable surface soils or weathered materials pose erosion concerns.

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