Plans released for new vertical high school in Prahran

PLANS have been released for Prahran’s anticipated new high school, revealing a sleek design and modern fitout for what will be one of Melbourne’s first vertical schools.

The new Prahran High School is due to open in 2019. Picture: Victorian School Building Authority

PLANS have been released for the new and much anticipated high school in Prahran, revealing a sleek design and modern fitout for what will be one of Melbourne’s first vertical schools.

This week the Victorian School Building Authority shared images on social media of the four-storey building, which includes a central atrium and teaching spaces as well as basketball hoops and gym equipment.

The school will cater for 650 students. Picture: Victorian School Building Authority

On the authority’s website they say 650 students will be catered for at the new school, with the first intake of Year 7 students scheduled to take their seats at the beginning of term one in 2019.

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The school will be situated at the former Swinburne Prahran campus on High St, adjacent to an existing education precinct that includes Melbourne Polytechnic and the National Institute of Circus Arts.

St Kilda East parent Justin Halliday, who has been outspoken in the past about the desperate need for a high school in the area, said he was pleased with the school’s design and location.

“We’re definitely excited about the vision and the architecture they’re bringing to the school,” Mr Halliday said.

“I think that the largest challenge for the school is going to be the lack of space. (But) I think the Victorian Building Authority and the architects have addressed that as much as they can.”

It will be one of Melbourne’s first vertical schools. Picture: Victorian School Building Authority

Prahran state Greens MP Sam Hibbins said he was particularly impressed with how recreational space had been included in the school’s design.

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And Minister for Education James Merlino said the building would be “a modern and exciting place to learn”.

The school has received $25 million in funding from the State Government, including $20 million committed by the former Coalition government in 2013 and $4.75 million by the current government in the 2015-16 State Budget.

View plans for the school at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools/Prahran-High.aspx