The next phase of Queensland's first ever vertical school has been completed.
Education Minister and local Member for McConnel Grace Grace today opened Stage 2 of Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, inner-Brisbane's first secondary school in more than 50 years.
"Fortitude Valley State Secondary College represents a $143 million Palaszczuk Government investment in the local community that has supported good jobs and provided better services in the inner city," Minister Grace said.
"Stage 2 alone was a $43 million investment that adds a state-of-the-art senior learning precinct to the school, ready for the first cohort of Year 10 students next year.
"This phase of the building project has added 13 classrooms for Years 10 to 12 and a sports facility for all students.
"The new air-conditioned classrooms include two industrial technology labs, two industry standard kitchens, three senior science labs, one textiles studio, two visual arts studios and three breakout spaces for independent and group learning.
"These classrooms have been built above an enclosed sports facility with two multi-purpose courts.
"The construction of this school has supported more than 300 good, secure jobs for Queenslanders.
"Both stages of the school's construction were delivered by Hutchinson Builders, and I thank them for their excellent work.
"Around 450 students in Years 7 to 9 are currently receiving a world-class education at Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, and the school will continue to add a year level every year until the first Year 12 cohort starts in 2025.
"Fortitude Valley State Secondary College is one of 21 new schools the Palaszczuk Government has opened since 2015, and we'll open another four next year.
"This stands in stark contrast to the LNP who closed 6 schools, including Fortitude Valley State School on this very site."
Fortitude Valley State Secondary College Principal Sharon Barker said the new senior learning precinct was a fantastic asset for the community.
"It has given our school a range of specialist teaching spaces for our senior students that will allow us to provide rich and authentic learning experiences," Ms Barker said.
"We look forward to welcoming our QUT learning partners to collaborate with our students and staff these new spaces, which will further enrich our educational offerings."
The Palaszczuk Government's commitment to building, upgrading and expanding schools continued in the 2022-23 budget with almost $2 billion in education infrastructure investment supporting almost 4,200 jobs for Queenslanders.
