- New primary school in East Perth set to accommodate around 600 students a step closer
- CPB Contractors Pty Ltd awarded the tender for early contractor involvement for the co-design of the school, earthworks and demolition of Queens Gardens car park
- Vertical four-storey school to meet forecasted population growth in central Perth by 2029
The Cook Government has moved a step closer to delivering the state-of-the-art East Perth Primary School to meet the needs of central Perth's fast-growing population.
The significant $165 million construction project has hit another key milestone with the awarding of an early contractor involvement tender to CPB Contractors Pty Ltd.
The national tier 1 company will now work with EIW and ARM architects to finalise the school design, including providing advice on materials and building methods.
CPB Contractors Pty Ltd will also commence the early works and earthworks, which will include the demolition of the existing Queens Gardens carpark as part of the early contractor involvement.
With a unique and innovative vertical design, the four-storey building will initially accommodate 600 students from kindergarten to year 6 on the site bounded by Horatio Street, Nelson Crescent, Waterloo Crescent and Gloucester Park.
The design allows for a future stage to expand the school to accommodate a further 200 students.
The current design includes an administration building, a multipurpose hall, landscaping and grassed playing fields while maximising the potential of the inner-city location. Spaces for play and learning areas and opportunities for community use beyond the traditional school functions will allow the building to become 'more than a school'.
The new school will ease enrolment pressure on Highgate Primary School and is expected to open its doors in time for the start of the 2029 school year.
The north-east section of the Queens Gardens car park was closed in June this year, with the remaining sections of the carpark set to close on 10 October 2025 as construction progresses.
The Department of Education has notified carpark users about the closure and has provided advice about alternative parking locations.
The new school is just one of the ways the Cook Government is investing in education and delivering quality infrastructure and services across our State.
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to delivering the best education facilities for Western Australian families.
"This much-needed school will cater for the growing number of families in the inner city and provide enrolment relief for the nearby Highgate Primary.
"Its central location in the East Perth area allows proximity to public transport, road access and opportunities for future students to benefit from modern facilities that support teaching and learning.
"I want to congratulate CPB Contractors for being awarded this contract and look forward to seeing works progress."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"This new school in East Perth represents a $165 million investment for inner-city students and families by our State Government, and it's great to see the project reach another important milestone.
"The East Perth Primary School project will be a fantastic community asset, adding vibrancy to the east end of the city and alleviating enrolment pressure on existing schools.
"Our government continues to make transformational investments for East Perth residents, including the new pedestrian and cycle Boorloo Bridge opened last year and the nearby WACA Ground redevelopment nearing completion."
