King's Baptist Grammar School is set to commence construction for their new Adelaide Hills Campus, located on Bollen Road in Mount Barker. The construction officially begins with the ceremonial 'Turning of the Soil' event, taking place on Wednesday, 28th April.
The new, state-of-the-art facility is set to open for Term 1 of 2023, as part of the Newenham Masterplan. Principal Don Grimmett notes the ground breaking signifies the next step in the school's development.
"Our brand new facilities will be home to world-class teaching and learning opportunities," Mr Grimmett says. "Our vision of faith provides excellence in education that empowers individuals in partnership with families and we are excited to build relationships with families in the Adelaide Hills community."
Minister for Education, John Gardner adds, "The new Kings Baptist Grammar School – Adelaide Hills Campus, will enhance the choices available for families in the area and I am very confident that they will build a great school culture in the Hills, as they have previously in the north-east."
Minister Gardner continues, "Our ambition is for every child in every classroom in South Australia to get a great education, and be supported in fulfilling their potential. That means that we want all of our schools to be doing great things for our kids – government and non-government alike."
The $15 million project is set to inject 10 permanent jobs into the community upon the school's opening, with more job creation as the school expands. Furthermore, the development is expected to create 200 jobs during the construction phase, with construction partner Schiavello Construction setting local engagement targets for the required workforce to deliver the new school.
At capacity, the Adelaide Hills Campus will cater for up to 1,200 students, with the ELC to Year 2 classrooms to open first in 2023, followed by additional year levels each year thereafter.
Burke Urban's Managing Director, Kym Burke said the school would provide more choice for parents when assessing education options in the fast-growing area.
"We are excited that our Newenham residents will have access to quality independent education just moments from their own home, and will be able to travel to the campus on foot or bike by a beautiful linear park trail along Western Flat Creek," he said.
Alongside Burke Urban and the Education Minister, the 'Turning of the Soil' event will be celebrated with the partners involved in the project: the Mount Barker Council, appointed builder Schiavello Constructions, and architect Hodgkison
Director of Hodgkinson Architects, Kristy McMillan says the development is, "the culmination of the collaborative partnership between King's Baptist School, Hodgkison Architects, WSP Engineers, and Schiavello to deliver a landmark community school that will grow with the Adelaide Hills region."
Ms McMillan continues, "The modern buildings, designed to environmentally sustainable principles, are a starting point for the growth of the school within the region. Integrated into the undulating landscape, the buildings highlight natural materials to create light, airy and connected learning spaces, which open out onto bespoke nature play spaces designed by French Enviro. The Greenfield site provided an opportunity for a well-planned community precinct anchored by the School."
"We have been excited to watch our expression of interest list grow and look forward to opening up enrolments shortly," Don Grimmett adds.
