Labor commits $42 million to build Richmond High School in State Budget

AFTER a decade-long community campaign, the State Government has committed capital funds to build a new high school in Richmond.

Richmond MP Richard Wynne and Education Minister James Merlino at the site of the new Richmond High School last year. Picture: Kylie Else

THE State Government has committed $42 million to building the new Richmond High School.

Designs of the school are due to be completed at the end of this year, with construction to commence at the start of next year.

The school, expected to house about 600 students, is scheduled to open at the start of 2018.

Carlton Primary School also received $9 million to upgrade its school buildings.

Richmond High School Choices spokesman Justin Naylor, who has campaigned for the school to be built for the past nine years, said he was pleased with the announcement.

Boys in the area have been forced to travel to nearby suburbs to access secondary eduction after former Premier Jeff Kennett closed the old Richmond High in 1992.

“It is fantastic to give children in the Richmond and surrounding areas an opportunity to receive a fantastic education through the public system,” Mr Naylor said.

“For boys, it is something they haven’t had in over 20 years and for girls it will provide choices.”

Mr Naylor said the school would be a great addition to Richmond.

“Seeing this in budget papers does reinforce the commitment, which I think is great for everyone involved,” he said.

“There has been a big group of parents and supporters over the years to make this happen.”

The school will be built on a carpark owned by the State Government and zoned for education use between Richmond Town Hall and Citizens Park.

RELATED: Carpark to be site of new Richmond High School

The commitment is part of the State Government’s $924 million school works program.

Education Minister James Merlino said last week the new school was one of the “truly exciting projects”.

RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE:

- AUGUST 2014: Labor promises $10 million for the first stage of the new Richmond High School.

- MARCH 2015: Richmond MP Richard Wynne reaffirms the new Richmond High School will be built in the Labor Government’s first term.

- MAY 2015: Labor commit $1 million towards planning for the new school.

- JULY 2015: A planning committee for the school is announced.

- APRIL 2016: Labor commits $42 million in the State Budget to build the new Richmond High School.