First look inside new $12 million school construction

CONSTRUCTION is progressing on the new $12 million performing arts centre at Toowoomba State High School. Check out all the photos here.

CONSTRUCTION is progressing on the new $12 million performing arts centre at Toowoomba State High School.

Education Minister Grace Grace yesterday joined representatives from the school and FKG to tour the facility, which is set to open next year.

Will Krisanski from FKG, Toowoomba State High School Arts HoD Kim Betros, Education Minister Grace Grace and Acting Principal Jenni Peters inside the new performing arts centre.

"In its 100-year history, Toowoomba State High School has used many locations for school assemblies and events, but it has never had its own purpose-built performing arts space, but that's all about to change," Ms Grace said.

"This centre will be world-class once it's completed at the end of this year, expecting to be ready for the 2021 school year.

The construction site as seen from above.

"The centre will include a performance stage, one dance and two drama studios, a box office and foyer on the ground floor."

Ms Grace said the upper level would include two music spaces, a specialist recording room, a multimedia space with recording room, editing room and digital equipment store, two practice rooms, kitchen, staff offices, meeting rooms and amenities.

New performing arts centre for Toowoomba High

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"I know students and staff are thrilled to see this building taking shape," she said.

The new construction is located on the site of the school's former sporting facilities, which have relocated to another part of the campus.

The new multipurpose facilities will open to students next week.

"Under this $12 million project, we're also delivering a sports oval upgrade, relocation of sports courts, new security fence and classroom refurbishments," Ms Grace said.

"Construction is supporting a total of 36 jobs."

Checking out the new Toowoomba State High School multipurpose courts are (from left) Education Minister Grace Grace, students Harrison Waggoner, Hayley Alston, Megan Brocherie, Isaac Wormald and Acting Principal Jenni Peters/

Acting principal Jenni Peters said the new hall would hopefully play host next year to the school's musical.

"There's a real buzz around the school and the community (about the facilities)," she said.

The new performing arts centre at Toowoomba State High School under construction.

"To add this performing arts and sporting complex to our offerings is going to be absolutely amazing.

"It's going to enhance the outcomes we see over the year."