Devonport High: See first pics of completed $10.5 redevelopment
Students at a Tasmanian high-school will move into their new spaces on Monday. SEE THE PICTURES AND A LIST OF WHAT’S NEW >>
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A $10.5m redevelopment of a northwest Tasmania high-school has been unveiled by the state government, with students set to move into their new digs on Monday.
The works at Devonport High School, promised at the 2018 state election, feature major upgrades to A, B and C Blocks, among other improvements.
The redevelopment included:
– New car park, main entrance, administration and offices.
– New library, forum, media and computer labs.
– New lifts and improved disabled access across the campus.
– New classrooms to support contemporary learning and team teaching.
– Multiple flexible ‘break out’ learning spaces.
– New staff offices and staffroom.
– New staff and student amenities.
– New STEM lab.
– New openable double-glazed windows and airconditioning.
– Refurbished hall and drama teaching space with new retractable seating and AV equipment.
– Refurbished and extended student ball courts and outdoor learning area.
Improved accessibility has also been a major focus of the upgrades, with ramps and lifts installed in key areas to ensure facilities can be accessed by people with a disability, Education Minister Roger Jaensch said.
“Funding of $3.5m was brought forward for the project as part of the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus package in 2020 to support local jobs during a critical time in the pandemic,” he said.
“This significant project not only has long-term benefits for the school community, it has also supported Tasmanian businesses.”
Principal Fiona Gaby said the school was “excited” to finally be moving into their new digs.
“We’ve been working this week familiarising students, taking them on tours, cleaning out lockers,” she said.
“The students are in absolute awe of the building and staff are really exciting to be working in contemporary learning spaces.
“My favourite part is having those break out areas and open learning hubs.
“As some students have said, sitting in a classroom for a long period of time can be quite difficult, so to make sure they’re really engaged, we’ve got those areas they can move out to.”