Tasmania education: Work begins at Brighton High School as cost blows out to $74 million

Work has begun on the new Brighton High School, with the state government revealing the project cost has more than doubled. SEE WHY >>

Artist's impression of the Learning Street at the proposed new Brighton High School.

WORK has begun on the new Brighton High School, with the state government revealing the project cost has more than doubled to $74 million.

The school at a greenfield site will accommodate up to 600 students when it opens in 2025.

The project was costed at $30 million in 2018.

The cost estimate had increased to $50 million by 2021.

At a sod-turning event at the school site on Wednesday, Education Minister Roger Jaensch said the project was now expected to cost $74m.

Education Minister Roger Jaensch, Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray, Liberal Lyons MP John Tucker and Fairbrother southern Tasmania manager Phillip de Jong turning the first sod for the new Brighton High School

Mr Jaesnch said the final version of the project was the result of significant community consultation.

He said the new school was sorely needed to cater for one of the state’s fastest growing areas.

“Nothing is more important than delivering the education that our kids need for the future. This is the school this community needs. They’ve told us that. They’ve told us they want it here. We’ve involved them with the design of it. This is a very challenging market and time for delivering on capital works projects but this is a priority for us. And thankfully we’ve got an economy and a budget that’s strong enough to deliver it,” Mr Jaensch said.

Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray said council had been lobbying for a new high school for many years.

“We are thrilled to be able to educate our local children in our local area now. No longer will we have seven or eight buses travelling out of our municipality every morning to the northern suburbs of Hobart,” he said.

Artist's impression of the admin entrance at the proposed new Brighton High School.

“This was needed, the government has heard that call and, guess what, they have delivered.”

The school, designed by JAWS Architects in consultation with Brighton Council, will feature a multi-purpose hall, performing arts space, gymnasium and an outdoor “learning street”.

Labor Education spokesman said government “tardiness” could be blamed for the $44m cost increase.

“Despite the Liberals committing to the build commencing within the next term of government when they first announced a new Brighton High School in February 2018, it’s taken five long years to turn the first sod and locals and the Tasmanian taxpayer is paying the price for their tardiness,” Mr Willie said.

“We know the cost of building has skyrocketed while the Liberals have sat on their hands, and that you get a lot less for your money now than you did five years ago. Will there be further cost blowouts by the time it’s actually built?”