The major upgrade of Narrabundah College has reached an important milestone, with the project reaching the halfway point.
Construction on the new Design, Arts, Technology and Science (DATS) building and associated campus upgrades is progressing well, marking a significant step toward delivering the contemporary, high‑quality learning facilities for inner south students and staff.
As well as the work underway at Narrabundah College, and the opening of Stage 1 of the new Strathnairn school for term one this year, a number of other major education infrastructure projects are progressing across Canberra to support growing communities and deliver modern, sustainable and high‑quality learning environments for students. These include:
Whitlam Primary School
Stage 1 of construction is progressing well on the new primary school in Whitlam, which will cater for up to 780 students in the growing Molonglo Valley from preschool to Year 6 when complete.
Recently an ACT public school student won a competition to name the crane for this project with 'Principal Lifterson' now hard at work on site.
The project includes new and contemporary school and community facilities, sustainable design for improved comfort and energy performance. The school will welcome its first cohort in 2027.
Construction on an early childhood education and care centre, co-located with the new primary school in Whitlam and providing a 130-place service, is expected to commence in 2027. The early childhood education and care centre has a $10 million funding contribution from the Commonwealth Government.
Second College for Gungahlin
The new college in Nicholls will open before the end of the decade. It will have initial capacity for 800 students, expandable to 1100 and include state-of-the-art learning spaces and community facilities.
Infrastructure Canberra is currently considering how community feedback from the recent Development Application process will feed into the final design.
Garran Primary School
Stage one of the major modernisation at Garran Primary is now complete, with students enjoying new classrooms, specialist learning areas, and an upgraded preschool.
Stage two will deliver a new double gymnasium, new outdoor learning and play spaces, improved administration facilities and modern, purpose-built school buildings by the end of 2026.
Telopea Park School
To meet growing demand in the inner south, the senior campus of Telopea Park School will be expanded to include new specialist classrooms, a new multipurpose hall and double gymnasium which will benefit the school and wider community.
Early planning and design work is currently ongoing on the project with a key step in the process, a Major Plan Amendment (MPA), now open for public comment until 30 March 2026.
Majura Primary School
Planning is progressing on a modernisation program at Majura Primary with upgrades to enhance learning and play environments for students and staff.
Further updates on all projects can be found at https://www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr
Quotes attributable to Yvette Berry, MLA, Minister for Education and Early Childhood
"ACT Labor has a plan for Canberra's education system, with new schools and major upgrades.
"We are building for the future. These projects ensure every child, no matter where they live, can learn in a modern, well‑designed school close to home.
"Every new school and every modernised classroom is an investment in our community. We're planning for growth, improving learning environments, and ensuring our schools remain places where children feel safe, supported and inspired to learn.
"This is one of the biggest upgrades to public education in the Territory's history, and it's all about giving students the best possible start," she said.
