Indie School to build new $15m facility as part of Devonport living city initiative

An alternative education institution designed for children who have struggled in mainstream schools has unveiled plans for its new $15 million facility. See the design.

The next part of Devonport’s living city initiative has been announced.

The Devonport City Council has unveiled its new $15 million development of the Indie School, an alternative education option for students who have struggled at mainstream institutions.

The first stage of the living city initiative saw the development of the paranaple convention centre, while the second phase was the new waterfront precinct.

The third stage involves the Indie School development at 29 Fenton Way in Devonport and a cycling hub, the construction of which will start next month.

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said the sale for the school site had just been finalised.

Devonport City Council General Manager Matthew Atkins, Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, CEO of Indie Education Rod Wangman, Indie School State Principal TAS & WA Nic Page, Fairbrother CEO Kurt Arnold and Fairbrother Manager of Construction North West Tasmania Brad Symmons. Picture: Supplied.

“This significant new development provides a permanent location for Indie Education,” Ms Jarman said.

“The project also allows the demolition of the old library building, which will open up a new area of approximately 4000 square metres for further retail, commercial, and inner-city residential opportunities.

“Indie School has been instrumental in offering alternative educational options for young people who find challenges with the standard school model.

“Their success in providing qualifications for these students is a credit to the organisation’s dedication and the staff involved.”

Indie Education CEO Rod Wangman said it would fully fund the project.

“Indie are now well established in Devonport, having first come to the City in 2018,” Mr Wangman said.

“We have seen how the council have been proactive in growing Devonport and have been very impressed with what they have achieved.

“It has given us confidence to invest in our own property for not only a two-level Indie Education school facility but a third level where we can base head office functions, servicing our growing footprint in Tasmania.”

The facility is expected to open in 2026, subject to planning approvals.

Mr Wangman said it would be working with Fairbrother on constructing the new Indie School and was hopeful that the development would start this year.