Premier Mark McGowan visited John Forrest Secondary College today to see first-hand how a $50 million redevelopment will benefit current and future students.
The new and refurbished facilities will be delivered in three stages, with construction set to begin later this year and expected to be complete by October 2023.
The first stage includes construction of the new performing arts centre, which will provide modern dance, drama, media, music and visual arts facilities for students.
A new materials technology building is also part of the initial upgrades, and includes facilities for building and construction, woodwork, metalwork, engineering, robotics and mechatronics.
A third new building completes the first stage, with facilities for foods technology and textiles classes, as well as an IT centre and cafeteria.
Demolition of the existing materials technology building and construction of the new sports hall, which will include two new external turf areas, are part of the second stage.
The final stage includes refurbishing existing facilities, such as the transformation of the existing library to new administration facilities, the existing sports hall to a library, and modern upgrades to specialist and general classrooms. Other refurbishments include science laboratories, staff study areas and the staffroom.
Works on the new multi-purpose courts are currently under way and expected to be ready for students to play on in August this year.
The project will create about 1,300 jobs for the Western Australian economy.
Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick Architects was appointed in 2019 and has worked closely with the school to identify its priorities to address the needs of future students.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"These impressive upgrades ensure we give children the best possible opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
"By investing in school upgrades and redevelopments like these we help boost jobs while ensuring school facilities are modernised and provides capacity for future generations."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"It's great to see how the state-of-the-art facilities will transform education for students at John Forrest Secondary College.
"The school was built in 1961 and as one of the older high schools in the State, it was definitely ready for a major rebuild."
As stated by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker:
"As a member of the school community I'm pleased the McGowan Government continues to progress on its election commitment in delivering these very impressive upgrades which were designed following extensive consultation."
As stated by Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Upgrades and significant investment into new school facilities like these throughout Morley and the surrounding areas means our students needs will continue to be supported in decades to come."
As stated by Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman:
"With more than 1,000 students enrolled at John Forrest Secondary College, the upgrades will provide a raft of new additions and freshly refurbished facilities including spaces to help with the school's specialist programs such as music, cricket, netball or tennis."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
