The $17.7 million world-class Ballet Academy facility under construction at Kelvin Grove State College is on track to open in six months' time.
Education Minister and McConnel MP Grace Grace today inspected progress of the building, as well as a $21.4 million multi-purpose centre which is due to open in 2020, too.
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing almost $40 million in new projects at Kelvin Grove State College, a fast-growing school in my local electorate," Ms Grace said.
"It's amazing to see the Ballet Academy facility taking shape, with contractor Paynters already finishing the first-floor slab and making plenty of progress on level two.
"Today we met some of the tradies working on the site, including one of Kelvin Grove State College's very own students.
"Year 11 student Leo Hodges is doing a Certificate 2 traineeship in Civil Construction with Paynters, working on site one day a week where he's gaining fantastic hands-on experience.
"In total, the Ballet Academy facility and the multi-purpose centre is supporting 103 full-time jobs, including five apprentices."
Ms Grace said the Ballet Academy would open many doors for budding professional dancers.
"This one-of-a-kind building will accommodate up to 180 ballet students in 2020 and will feature six large dance studios, two flexible learning spaces, gym room, a range of support facilities, car park and covered pedestrian link to the spine of the school," she said.
"It'll attract Queensland secondary school students but also elite dancers from across Australia and around the world.
"This facility is also strengthening the 30-year strong partnership between Queensland Ballet and Kelvin Grove State College."
While at the site today, Ms Grace congratulated the 2019 Allison Baden-Clay Senior Program Scholarship recipient, Edison Manuel.
The Scholarship is funded by the Palaszczuk Government and is named in honour of Allison Baden-Clay who loved ballet.
"It was very special to be joined today by Allison's parents Priscilla and Geoff Dickie and her sister Vanessa Fowler, as well as Edi's proud parents," Ms Grace said.
"Edi, who moved to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast, is currently doing year 12 as part of the Queensland Ballet Academy's Senior Program in partnership with Kelvin Grove State College.
"This talented young man received automatic acceptance into level 1 of the program and is making the most of his $5,000 scholarship which the Palaszczuk Government is very proud to support.
"Thanks to the Academy, more students like Edi will be able to reach the next level in their dancing careers."
Ms Fowler, who is the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation Chair of Board of Directors, said Edi was the second person to receive the scholarship after the first was awarded to Taji Hennessy in 2018.
"Our family is pleased that the Government is continuing to assist a young dancer achieve their dream," Ms Fowler said.
"This scholarship is a wonderful way to establish a positive legacy in Allison's name."
Kelvin Grove State College Executive Principal Llew Paulger said the Ballet Academy facility was a win for all.
"We are looking forward to redefining and extending the college's renowned ballet program across Years 7 to 12," Mr Paulger said.
"Importantly, the academy will enable students in the program to engage in world-class dance and academic studies on the Kelvin Grove State College campus, reducing travel time to off-site dance facilities."
Click here to download hi-res concept images of the Ballet Academy and a time lapse video.
