Construction has commenced on Western Australia's newest TAFE campus in the heart of Armadale's town centre.
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery visited the Church Avenue site today to turn the first sod of the new purpose-built, multi-level South Metropolitan TAFE Armadale training centre.
The $39 million facility will deliver industry-relevant training across a range of areas, including childcare, community services, business, education support and general education.
It will have specialist training areas for information technology, emerging industries and cyber security, and house the Armadale Jobs and Skills Centre, connecting the local community with training and employment opportunities.
The new campus will consolidate vocational training in the area, replacing multiple leased premises that contain ageing facilities. The stand-alone centre will almost double current student capacity and create a vibrant community hub close to shops, cafés and the Armadale train station.
Designed by Fremantle architectural practice Armstrong Collective, the building will also offer state-of-the-art simulated childcare facilities for early learning education, classrooms, computer laboratories, simulated office space, a crèche, meeting rooms and a student hub.
Local construction company PS Structures has been appointed to build the campus, and will employ more than 500 workers throughout construction, including apprentices and trainees.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2024.
The new Armadale campus is part of the McGowan Government's record $215.8 million investment in TAFE capital works projects, which is delivering first-class training opportunities and boosting the WA economy.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The new $39 million Armadale TAFE campus is a significant project for Perth's outer south-eastern suburbs and will deliver world-class training to the local community.
"Once complete, this multi-storey centre will be a huge boost for local students and businesses alike, with the increased student capacity bringing life and vibrancy to the Armadale town centre.
"It will also significantly increase learning and training opportunities in the area - particularly for young people."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"South Metropolitan TAFE's new Armadale campus will train the next generation of skilled workers across a range of industries.
"Its state-of-the-art facilities will provide more learning opportunities for locals, especially youth, with industry-relevant and simulated training environments.
"The $39 million build is the latest to commence as part of the McGowan Government's $215.8 million investment in TAFE capital works projects, which is the largest in the State's history."
As stated by Armadale MLA Tony Buti:
"This is an incredibly exciting day for Armadale, with a brand new facility set to train the next generation of workers beginning to take shape in the heart of town.
"I've long advocated for an Armadale TAFE campus and the impressive facilities planned for this site are key to our community's future.
"They will make studying locally a more attractive option, help to prepare students for the jobs of the future and of course aid the continued revitalisation of Armadale."
*Design images are available on request.
